GENESIS

Author: The author of the Book of Genesis is not identified. Traditionally, the author has always been
assumed to have been Moses. There is no conclusive reason to deny the Mosaic authorship of Genesis.

Date of Writing: The Book of Genesis does not state when it was written. The date of authorship is likely
between 1440 and 1400 B.C., between the time Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and his death.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Genesis has sometimes been called the "seed-plot" of the entire Bible.
Most of the major doctrines in the Bible are introduced in "seed" form in the Book of Genesis. Along
with the fall of man, God's promise of salvation or redemption is recorded (Genesis 3:15). The doctrines
of creation, imputation of sin, justification, atonement, depravity, wrath, grace, sovereignty,
responsibility, and many more are all addressed in this book of origins called Genesis.

Key Verses: Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Genesis 3:15, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

Genesis 12:2-3, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and
you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all
peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now
being done, the saving of many lives."

Key people: Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, joseph

EXODUS
Author: Moses was the author of the Book of Exodus (Exodus 17:14; 24:4-7; 34:27).

Date of Writing: The Book of Exodus was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The word "exodus" means departure. In God's timing, the exodus of the Israelites
from Egypt marked the end of a period of oppression for Abraham's descendants (Genesis 15:13), and
the beginning of the fulfillment of the covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would not
only live in the Promised Land, but would also multiply and become a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3, 7).
The purpose of the book may be expressed as tracing the rapid growth of Jacob's descendants from
Egypt to the establishment of the theocratic nation in their Promised Land.

Key Verses: Exodus 1:8, "Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt."

Exodus 2:24-25, "God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac
and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them."

Exodus 12:27, "'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in
Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.'" Then the people bowed down and
worshiped."

Exodus 20:2-3, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You
shall have no other gods before me.

LEVITICUS
Author: Moses was the author of the Book of Leviticus.

Date of Writing: The Book of Leviticus was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Because the Israelites had been held captive in Egypt for 400 years, the concept of
God had been distorted by the polytheistic, pagan Egyptians. The purpose of Leviticus is to provide
instruction and laws to guide a sinful, yet redeemed people in their relationship with a holy God. There
is an emphasis in Leviticus on the need for personal holiness in response to a holy God. Sin must be
atoned for through the offering of proper sacrifices (chapters 8-10). Other topics covered in the book
are diets (clean and unclean foods), childbirth, and diseases which are carefully regulated (chapters 11-
15). Chapter 16 describes the Day of Atonement when an annual sacrifice is made for cumulative sin of
the people. Furthermore, the people of God are to be circumspect in their personal, moral, and social
living, in contrast to the then current practices of the heathen roundabout them (chapters 17-22).

Key Verses: Leviticus 1:4, "He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted
on his behalf to make atonement for him."

Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement
for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life."

Leviticus 19:18, "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your
neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

Key people: Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eliazar, Thamar,

NUMBERS

Author: Moses was the author of the Book of Numbers.

Date of Writing: The Book of Numbers was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The message of the Book of Numbers is universal and timeless."It reminds believers
of the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged, for Numbers is the book of the service and walk of
God's people. The Book of Numbers essentially bridges the gap between the Israelites receiving the Law
(Exodus and Leviticus) and preparing them to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy and Joshua).

Key Verses: Numbers 6:24-26, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon
you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 12:6-8, "When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to
him in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak
face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to
speak against my servant Moses?"

Numbers 14:30-34, "Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home,
except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. As for your children that you said would be taken
as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. But you " your bodies will fall in this
desert. Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the
last of your bodies lies in the desert. For forty years " one year for each of the forty days you explored
the land " you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.'

Key people: Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb, Eleazar, Korah

DEUTERONOMY

Author: Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy, which is in fact a collection of his sermons to Israel just
before they crossed the Jordan. "These are the words which Moses spoke" (1:1). Someone else (Joshua,
perhaps) may have written the last chapter.

Date of Writing: These sermons were given during the 40-day period prior to Israel's entering the
Promised Land. The first sermon was delivered on the 1st day of the 11th month (1:3), and the Israelites
crossed the Jordan 70 days later, on the 10th day of the 1st month (Joshua 4:19). Subtract 30 days of
mourning after Moses' death (Deuteronomy 34:8), and we"re left with 40 days. The year was 1406 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: A new generation of Israelites was about to enter the Promised Land. This multitude
had not experienced the miracle at the Red Sea or heard the law given at Sinai, and they were about to
enter a new land with many dangers and temptations. The book of Deuteronomy was given to remind
them of God's law and God's power.

Key Verses: "Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of
the LORD your God that I give you." (Deuteronomy 4:2)

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon
your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk
along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:4-7)

"He said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may
command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for
you"they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."
(Deuteronomy 32:46-47)

Key people: Moses, Joshua

JOSHUA
Author: The Book of Joshua does not explicitly name its author. More than likely Joshua the son of Nun,
the successor of Moses as leader over Israel, penned much of this book. The latter part of the book was
written by at least one other person after the death of Joshua. It is also possible that several sections
were edited / compiled following Joshua's death.

Date of Writing: The Book of Joshua was likely written between 1400 and 1370 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Joshua provides an overview of the military campaigns to conquer the
land area that God had promised. Following the exodus from Egypt and the subsequent forty years of
the wilderness wanderings, the newly-formed nation is now poised to enter the Promised Land, conquer
the inhabitants, and occupy the territory. The overview that we have here gives abbreviated and
selective details of many of the battles and the manner in which the land was not only conquered, but
how it was divided into tribal areas.

Key Verses: Joshua 1:6-9, "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the
land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the
law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be
successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day
and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and
successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be
discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 24:14-15, "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your
forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD
seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods
your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But
as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Key people: Joshua, Rahab, Achan, Phinetias, Eleazar

JUDGES
Author: The Book of Judges does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that the Prophet
Samuel was the author of Judges. Internal evidence indicates that the author of Judges lived shortly
after the period of the Judges. Samuel fits this qualification.

Date of Writing: The Book of Judges was likely written between 1045 and 1000 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Judges can be divided into two sections: 1) Chapters 1-16 which gives
an account of the wars of deliverance beginning with the Israelites' defeat of the Canaanites and ending
with the defeat of the Philistines and the death of Samson; 2) Chapters 17-21 which is referred to as an
appendix and does not relate to the previous chapters. These chapters are noted as a time "when there
was no king in Israel (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25)." The Book of Ruth was originally a part of the Book
of Judges, but in A.D. 450 it was removed to become a book of its own.

Key Verses: Judges 2:16-19: "Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of
these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and
worshiped them. Unlike their fathers, they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had
walked, the way of obedience to the LORD's commands. Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for
them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge
lived; for the LORD had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted
them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their
fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil
practices and stubborn ways."

Judges 10:15: "But the Israelites said to the LORD, 'We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best,
but please rescue us now.'"

Judges 21:25: "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit."

Key people: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech, Zephtah, Samson, Delilah

RUTH
Author: The Book of Ruth does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that the Book of Ruth
was written by the Prophet Samuel.

Date of Writing: The exact date the Book of Ruth was written is uncertain. However, the prevalent view
is a date between 1011 and 931 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Ruth was written to the Israelites. It teaches that genuine love at times
may require uncompromising sacrifice. Regardless of our lot in life, we can live according to the precepts
of God. Genuine love and kindness will be rewarded. God abundantly blesses those who seek to live
obedient lives. Obedient living does not allow for "accidents" in God's plan. God extends mercy to the
merciful.

Key Verses: Ruth 1:16, "But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where
you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'"

Ruth 3:9, "'Who are you?' he asked. 'I am your servant Ruth,' she said. 'Spread the corner of your
garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.'"

Ruth 4:17, "The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son.' And they named him Obed. He was the
father of Jesse, the father of David."

Key people: Naomi, Boaz, Ruth

1 SAMUEL
Author: The author is anonymous. We know that Samuel wrote a book (1 Samuel 10:25), and it is very
possible that he wrote part of this book as well. Other possible contributors to 1 Samuel are the
prophets/historians Nathan and Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29).

Date of Writing: Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. The translators of the
Septuagint separated them, and we have retained that separation ever since. The events of 1 Samuel
span approximately 100 years, from c. 1100 B.C. to c. 1000 B.C. The events of 2 Samuel cover another 40
years. The date of writing, then, would be sometime after 960 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: First Samuel records the history of Israel in the land of Canaan as they move from
the rule of judges to being a unified nation under kings. Samuel emerges as the last judge, and he
anoints the first two kings, Saul and David.
Key Verses: "But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the
LORD. And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have
rejected, but they have rejected me as their king"" (1 Samuel 8:6-7).

""You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if
you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not
endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people,
because you have not kept the LORD's command"" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

Key people:Eli, Hanah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David

2 SAMUEL
Author: The Book of 2 Samuel does not identify its author. It could not be the Prophet Samuel, since he
died in 1 Samuel. Possible writers include Nathan and Gad (see 1 Chronicles 29:29).

Date of Writing: Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. The translators of the
Septuagint separated them, and we have retained that separation ever since."The events of 1 Samuel
span approximately 100 years, from c. 1100 B.C. to c. 1000 B.C."The events of 2 Samuel cover another
40 years."The date of writing, then, would be sometime after 960 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: 2 Samuel is the record of King David's reign. This book places the Davidic Covenant
in its historical context.
Key Verses: "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be
established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16).

"But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my
son, my son!" (2 Samuel 19:4).

""The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my
shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior"from violent men you
save me. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies" (2 Samuel 22:2-
4).

Key people: David, Joab, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absalom

1 KINGS
Author: The Book of 1 Kings does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that it was written by
the Prophet Jeremiah.

Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Kings was likely written between 560 and 540 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: This book is the sequel to 1 and 2 Samuel and begins by tracing Solomon's rise to
kingship after the death of David."The story begins with a united kingdom, but ends in a nation divided
into 2 kingdoms, known as Judah and Israel."1 and 2 Kings are combined into one book in the Hebrew
Bible.

Key Verses: 1 Kings 1:30, "I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of
Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place."
1 Kings 9:3, "The LORD said to him: 'I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have
consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart
will always be there.'"

1 Kings 12:16, "When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:
'What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse's son? To your tents, O Israel! Look after your own
house, O David!'"

1 Kings 12:28, "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, 'It is too
much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'"

1 Kings 17:1, "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of
Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.'"

Key people: David, Solomon, Rhoboam, Jeroboam, Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel

2 KINGS
Author: The Book of 2 Kings does not name its author. The tradition is that the prophet Jeremiah was
the author of both 1 and 2 Kings.

Date of Writing: The Book of 2 Kings, along with 1 Kings, was likely written between 560 and 540 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of 2 Kings is a sequel to the Book of 1 Kings. It continues the story of the
kings over the divided kingdom (Israel and Judah.) The Book of 2 Kings concludes with the final
overthrow and deportation of the people of Israel and Judah to Assyria and Babylon, respectively.

Key Verses: 2 Kings 17:7-8: "All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their
God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They
worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before them,
as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced."
2 Kings 22:1a-2: "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-
one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David,
not turning aside to the right or to the left."

2 Kings 24:2: "The LORD sent Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him. He sent
them to destroy Judah, in accordance with the word of the LORD proclaimed by his servants the
prophets."

2 Kings 8:19: "Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah.
He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever."

Key people: Elijah, Eliasha, The women from shunen, Naaman, Jezebel, Jeho, Joash, Hezekiah, Senna,
Sharib, Isaiah, Manasseh, Joshea, Zedekiah,

1 CHRONICLES
Author: The Book of 1 Chronicles does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that 1 and 2
Chronicles were written by Ezra.

Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely written between 450 and 425 B.C.

Purpose of Writing:The Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles cover mostly the same information as 1 & 2 Samuel
and 1 & 2 Kings. Perhaps the biggest distinction is that 1 & 2 Chronicles focus more on the priestly
aspect of the time period. The Book of 1 Chronicles was written after the exile to help those returning to
Israel understand how to worship God. The history focused on the Southern Kingdom, the tribes of
Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. These tribes tended to be more faithful to God.
Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 11:1-2, "All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, 'We are your
own flesh and blood. In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their
military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, "You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become
their ruler."'"

1 Chronicles 21:13, "David said to Gad, 'I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for
his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.'"

1 Chronicles 29:11, "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and
the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are
exalted as head over all."

Key people: David, sSolomon

2 CHRONICLES
Author: The Book of 2 Chronicles does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that 1 and 2
Chronicles were written by Ezra.

Date of Writing: The Book of 2 Chronicles was likely written between 450 and 425 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles cover mostly the same information as 1 & 2 Samuel
and 1 & 2 Kings. The Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles focus more on the priestly aspect of the time period. The
Book of 2 Chronicles is essentially an evaluation of the nation's religious history.

Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 2:1, "Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the LORD and a
royal palace for himself."
2 Chronicles 29:1-3, "Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in
Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was
right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. In the first month of the first year of his
reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the LORD and repaired them."

2 Chronicles 36:14, "Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more
unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the LORD,
which he had consecrated in Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 36:23, "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me
all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.
Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.'"

Key people: Solomon, The queen of Sheba, Rehoboam, Asa, Jehosaphat, Jehoram, Joash, Uzziah, Ahaz,
Hezekiah, Mannaseh, Joshea

EZRA
Author: The Book of Ezra does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that the prophet Ezra
wrote the Book of Ezra. It is interesting to note that once Ezra appears on the scene in chapter 7, the
author of the Book of Ezra switches from writing in the third person to first person. This would also lend
credibility to Ezra being the author.

Date of Writing: The Book of Ezra was likely written between 460 and 440 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Ezra is devoted to events occurring in the land of Israel at the time of
the return from the Babylonian captivity and subsequent years, covering a period of approximately one
century, beginning in 538 B.C. The emphasis in Ezra is on the rebuilding of the Temple. The book
contains extensive genealogical records, principally for the purpose of establishing the claims to the
priesthood on the part of the descendants of Aaron.

Key Verses: Ezra 3:11 "With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: "He is good; his love to
Israel endures forever." And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the
foundation of the house of the LORD was laid."
Ezra 7:6, ""this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the
LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the
LORD his God was on him."

Key people: Cyrus, Haggai, Zechariah, Darius, Artaxerxes, Ezra

NEHEMIAH
Author: The Book of Nehemiah does not specifically name its author, but both Jewish and Christian
traditions recognize Ezra as the author. This is based on the fact that the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah
were originally one.

Date of Writing: The Book of Nehemiah was likely written between 445 and 420 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Nehemiah, one of the history books of the Bible, continues the story of
Israel's return from the Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Key Verses: Nehemiah 1:3, "They said to me, 'Those who survived the exile and are back in the province
are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned
with fire.'"
Nehemiah 1:11, "O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of
your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor
in the presence of this man."

Nehemiah 6:15-16, "So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all
our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence,
because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."

Key people: Nehemiah, Ezra, Hambalat, Tobiah,

ESTHER
Author: The Book of Esther does not specifically name its author. The most popular traditions are
Mordecai (a major character in the Book of Esther), Ezra, and Nehemiah (who would have been familiar
with Persian customs).

Date of Writing: The Book of Esther was likely written between 460 and 350 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The purpose of the Book of Esther is to display the providence of God, especially in
regard to His chosen people, Israel. The Book of Esther records the institution of the Feast of Purim and
the obligation of its perpetual observation. The Book of Esther was read at the Feast of Purim to
commemorate the great deliverance of the Jewish nation brought about by God through Esther. Jews
today still read Esther during Purim.

Key Verses: Esther 2:15 - Now when the time came for Esther to go to the king, she asked for nothing
other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested.
Esther 4:14 - For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but
you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the royal position for
such a time as this.

Esther 6:13 - Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is of Jewish origin, you cannot
stand against him - you will surely come to ruin!

Esther 7:3 - If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life - this is
my petition, and the life of my people - this is my request.

Key people: Mordecai, King Xerxes, Hanah

JOB
Author: The Book of Job does not specifically name its author. The most likely candidates are Job, Elihu,
Moses, and Solomon.

Date of Writing: The date of the authorship of the Book of Job would be determined by the author of
the Book of Job. If Moses was the author, the date would be around 1440 B.C. If Solomon was the
author, the date would be around 950 B.C. Because we don’t know the author, we can’t know the date
of writing.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Job helps us to understand the following: Satan cannot bring financial
and physical destruction upon us unless it is by God’s permission. God has power over what Satan can
and cannot do. It is beyond our human ability to understand the "why’s" behind all the suffering in the
world. The wicked will receive their just dues. We cannot always blame suffering and sin on our
lifestyles. Suffering may sometimes be allowed in our lives to purify, test, teach, or strengthen the soul.
God remains enough, and He deserves and requests our love and praise in all circumstances of life.
Key Verses

Job 1:1, "In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright;
he feared God and shunned evil."

Job 1:21, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD
has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Job 38:1-2, "Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said, 'Who is this that darkens my
counsel with words without knowledge?'"

Job 42:5-6, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and
repent in dust and ashes."

Key people: Job, Eliphaz the temanite, Beldad the Shunite, Zophar the Naamite, Elihu the Buzite

PSALMS
Author: The brief descriptions that introduce the psalms have David listed as author in 73 instances.
David’s personality and identity are clearly stamped on many of these psalms. While it is clear that David
wrote many of the individual psalms, he is definitely not the author of the entire collection. Two of the
psalms (72 and 127) are attributed to Solomon, David’s son and successor. Psalm 90 is a prayer assigned
to Moses. Another group of 12 psalms (50) and (73—83) is ascribed to the family of Asaph. The sons of
Korah wrote 11 psalms (42, 44—49, 84—85, 87—88). Psalm 88 is attributed to Heman, while Psalm 89 is
assigned to Ethan the Ezrahite. With the exception of Solomon and Moses, all these additional authors
were priests or Levites who were responsible for providing music for sanctuary worship during David’s
reign. Fifty of the psalms designate no specific person as author, although two of those are designated
elsewhere in the Bible as psalms of David.

Date of Writing: A careful examination of the authorship question, as well as the subject matter covered
by the psalms themselves, reveals that they span a period of many centuries. The oldest psalm in the
collection is probably the prayer of Moses (90), a reflection on the frailty of man as compared to the
eternity of God. The latest psalm is probably (137), a song of lament clearly written during the days
when the Hebrews were being held captive by the Babylonians, from about 586 to 538 B.C.

It is clear that the 150 individual psalms were written by many different people across a period of a
thousand years in Israel’s history. They must have been compiled and put together in their present form
by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
Purpose of Writing: The Book of Psalms has far more “chapters” than any other book in the Bible, with
150 individual psalms. It is also one of the most diverse, since the psalms deal with such subjects as God
and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin and evil, judgment, justice, and the coming of the Messiah.

Key Verses:Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his
hands.”Psalm 22:16-19, "Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have
pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my
garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not
be in want."

Psalm 29:1-2, "Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to
the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."

Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Key people: David

PROVERBS
Author: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's name appears in 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1.
We may also presume Solomon collected and edited proverbs other than his own, for Ecclesiastes 12:9
says, "Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and
searched out and set in order many proverbs." Indeed, the Hebrew title Mishle Shelomoh is translated
"Proverbs of Solomon."

Date of Writing: Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. During his reign as king, the nation
of Israel reached its pinnacle spiritually, politically, culturally, and economically. As Israel's reputation
soared, so did King Solomon's. Foreign dignitaries from the far reaches of the known world traveled
great distances to hear the wise monarch speak (1 Kings 4:34).

Purpose of Writing: Knowledge is nothing more than an accumulation of raw facts, but wisdom is the
ability to see people, events, and situations as God sees them. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals
the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears
that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual
relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics,
revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

Key Verses: Proverbs 1:5, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get
guidance."
Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
discipline."

Proverbs 4:5, "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them."

Proverbs 8:13-14, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and
perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power."

Key people: Solomon

ECCLESIASTES
Author: The Book of Ecclesiastes does not directly identify its author. There are quite a few verses that
imply Solomon wrote this book. There are some clues in the context that may suggest a different person
wrote the book after Solomon's death, possibly several hundred years later. Still, the conventional belief
is that the author is indeed Solomon.

Date of Writing: Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The
Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Ecclesiastes is a book of perspective. The narrative of "the Preacher" (KJV), or "the
Teacher" (NIV) reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly things.
This book gives Christians a chance to see the world through the eyes of a person who, though very
wise, is trying to find meaning in temporary, human things. Most every form of worldly pleasure is
explored by the Preacher, and none of it gives him a sense of meaning.

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 1:2, "'Vanity of vanities,' says the Preacher, 'vanity of vanities, all is vanity'"
(NKJV).

Ecclesiastes 1:18, "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief."

Ecclesiastes 2:11, "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."

Ecclesiastes 12:1, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them.'"
Key peopl: Solomon

SONG OF SOLOMON
Author: Solomon wrote Song of Solomon, according to the first verse. This song is one of 1,005 that
Solomon wrote (1 Kings 4:32). The title "Song of Songs" is a superlative, meaning this is the best one.

Date of Writing: Solomon most likely wrote this song during the early part of his reign. This would place
the date of composition around 965 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Song of Solomon is a lyric poem written to extol the virtues of love between a
husband and his wife. The poem clearly presents marriage as God's design. A man and woman are to live
together within the context of marriage, loving each other spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

This book combats two extremes: asceticism (the denial of all pleasure) and hedonism (the pursuit of
only pleasure). The marriage profiled in Song of Solomon is a model of care, commitment, and delight.

Key Verses: Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4 - "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

Song of Solomon 5:1 - "Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers."

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as
strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many
waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house
for love, it would be utterly scorned."

Key people: Solomon, the young women of shulam and friends

 ISAIAH
Author: Isaiah 1:1 identifies the author of the book of Isaiah as the Prophet Isaiah.

Date of Writing: The book of Isaiah was written between 739 and 681 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Prophet Isaiah was primarily called to prophesy to the Kingdom of Judah. Judah
was going through times of revival and times of rebellion. Judah was threatened with destruction by
Assyria and Egypt, but was spared because of God’s mercy. Isaiah proclaimed a message of repentance
from sin and hopeful expectation of God’s deliverance in the future.

Key Verses: Isaiah 6:8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go
for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give
birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 14:12-13, “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been
cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, "I will ascend to
heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on
the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.”

Isaiah 53:5-6, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the
punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep,
have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us
all.”

Key people:Isaiah, and his two sons, Shear, Joshub, Maharshalahaz-baz

 JEREMIAH
Author: Jeremiah chapter 1, verse 1 identifies the Prophet Jeremiah as the author of the Book of
Jeremiah.

Date of Writing: The Book of Jeremiah was written between 630 and 580 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Jeremiah records the final prophecies to Judah, warning of oncoming
destruction if the nation does not repent. Jeremiah calls out for the nation to turn back to God. At the
same time, Jeremiah recognizes the inevitability of Judah's destruction due to its unrepentant idolatry
and immorality.

Key Verses: Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you
apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

Jeremiah 29:10-11, "This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will
come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have
for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.""

Key people: Judah king, Barok, Ebemelach, King Nebuchadnezzar, The recabites
 LAMENTATIONS
Author: The Book of Lamentations does not explicitly identify its author. The tradition is that the
Prophet Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. This view is highly likely considering the author was a witness of
the Babylonians destroying Jerusalem. Jeremiah fits this qualification (2 Chronicles 35:25; 36:21-22).

Date of Writing: The Book of Lamentations was likely written between 586 and 575 B.C., during or soon
after Jerusalem's fall.

Purpose of Writing: As a result of Judah's continued and unrepentant idolatry, God allowed the
Babylonians to besiege, plunder, burn, and destroy the city of Jerusalem. Solomon's Temple, which had
stood for approximately 400 years, was burned to the ground. The Prophet Jeremiah, an eyewitness to
these events, wrote the Book of Lamentations as a lament for what occurred to Judah and Jerusalem.

Key Verses: Lamentations 2:17, "The LORD has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which
he decreed long ago. He has overthrown you without pity, he has let the enemy gloat over you, he has
exalted the horn of your foes."

Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions
never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Key people: Jeremiah, the people of jerusalem

 EZEKIEL
Author: The Prophet Ezekiel is the author of the book (Ezekiel 1:3). He was a contemporary of both
Jeremiah and Daniel.

Date of Writing: The Book of Ezekiel was likely written between 593 and 565 B.C. during the Babylonian
captivity of the Jews.

Purpose of Writing: Ezekiel ministered to his generation who were both exceedingly sinful and
thoroughly hopeless. By means of his prophetic ministry he attempted to bring them to immediate
repentance and to confidence in the distant future. He taught that: (1) God works through human
messengers; (2) Even in defeat and despair God's people need to affirm God's sovereignty; (3) God's
Word never fails; (4) God is present and can be worshiped anywhere; (5) People must obey God if they
expect to receive blessings; and (6) God's Kingdom will come.

Key Verses: Ezekiel 2:3-6, "He said: 'son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation
that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. The
people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, "This is what the Sovereign
LORD says." And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know
that a prophet has been among them.'"

Ezekiel 18:4, "For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me.
The soul who sins is the one who will die."

Key people: Ezekiel, Israel leaders, Ezekiel wife, Nebuchadnezzar, The prince

DANIEL
Author: The Book of Daniel identifies the Prophet Daniel as its author (Daniel 9:2; 10:2). Jesus mentions
Daniel as the author as well (Matthew 24:15).

Date of Writing: The Book of Daniel was likely written between 540 and 530 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: In 605 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon had conquered Judah and deported
many of its inhabitants to Babylon – Daniel included. Daniel served in the royal court of Nebuchadnezzar
and several rulers who followed Nebuchadnezzar. The Book of Daniel records the actions, prophecies,
and visions of the Prophet Daniel.

Key Verses: Daniel 1:19-20, “The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding
about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and
enchanters in his whole kingdom.”

Daniel 2:31, “You looked, O king, and there before you stood a large statue - an enormous, dazzling
statue, awesome in appearance.”

Daniel 3:17-18, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it,
and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that
we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Key people:Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, shadrach, Meschach, Abednego, Belshazzar, Darius

HOSEA
Author: Hosea 1:1 identifies the author of the book as the Prophet Hosea. It is Hosea’s personal account
of his prophetic messages to the children of God and to the world. Hosea is the only prophet of Israel
who left any written prophecies which were recorded during the later years of his life.

Date of Writing: Hosea, the son of Beeri, prophesied for quite some time, from 785 to 725 B.C. The Book
of Hosea was likely written between 755 and 725 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Hosea wrote this book to remind the Israelites—and us—that ours is a loving God
whose loyalty to His covenant people is unwavering. In spite of Israel’s continual turning to false gods,
God’s steadfast love is portrayed in the long-suffering husband of the unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message is
also one of warning to those who would turn their backs on God’s love. Through the symbolic
presentation of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, God’s love for the idolatrous nation of Israel is
displayed in a rich metaphor in the themes of sin, judgment, and forgiving love.

Key Verses: Hosea 1:2, "When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, 'Go, take
to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest
adultery in departing from the LORD.’"

Hosea 2:23, “I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved
one.' I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'”

Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Key people:Hosea, Gomer, their children

JOEL
Author: The Book of Joel states that its author was the Prophet Joel (Joel 1:1).
Date of Writing: The Book of Joel was likely written between 835 and 800 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Judah, the setting for the book, is devastated by a vast horde of locusts. This
invasion of locusts destroys everything—the fields of grain, the vineyards, the gardens and the trees.
Joel symbolically describes the locusts as a marching human army and views all of this as divine
judgment coming against the nation for her sins. The book is highlighted by two major events. One is the
invasion of locusts and the other the outpouring of the Spirit. The initial fulfillment of this is quoted by
Peter in Acts 2 as having taken place at Pentecost.

Key Verses: Joel 1:4, "What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great
locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have
eaten."

Joel 2:25, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten..."

Joel 2:28, "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."

Key people:Joel, the people' of Judah,

AMOS
Author: Amos 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Amos as the Prophet Amos.
Date of Writing: The Book of Amos was likely written between 760 and 753 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Amos is a shepherd and a fruit picker from the Judean village of Tekoa when God
calls him, even though he lacks an education or a priestly background. Amos' mission is directed to his
neighbor to the north, Israel. His messages of impending doom and captivity for the nation because of
her sins are largely unpopular and unheeded, however, because not since the days of Solomon have
times been so good in Israel. Amos' ministry takes place while Jeroboam II reigns over Israel, and Uzziah
reigns over Judah.

Key Verses: Amos 2:4, "This is what the LORD says: 'For three sins of Judah, even for four, I will not turn
back [my wrath]. Because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his decrees,
because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed.'"

Amos 3:7, "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the
prophets."

Amos 9:14, "I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.
They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit."

Key people:Amos, amazziah, Jeroboam,

OBADIAH
Author: Obadiah verse 1 identifies the author of the Book of Obadiah as the Prophet Obadiah.
Date of Writing: The Book of Obadiah was likely written between 848 and 840 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is only 21 verses long. Obadiah is
a prophet of God who uses this opportunity to condemn Edom for sins against both God and Israel. The
Edomites are descendants of Esau and the Israelites are descendants of his twin brother, Jacob. A
quarrel between the brothers has affected their descendants for over 1,000 years. This division caused
the Edomites to forbid Israel to cross their land during the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt. Edom's sins of
pride now require a strong word of judgment from the Lord.

Key Verses: Obadiah verse 4, "'Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,' declares the LORD."

Obadiah verse 12, "You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice
over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble."

Obadiah verse 15, "The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you;
your deeds will return upon your own head."

Key people: the Edumites

JONAH
Author: Jonah 1:1 identifies the book as telling the story of the prophet Jonah. Although the book is
written in the third person, the traditional view is that Jonah is the author of the book, and there is no
persuasive reason to theorize about an unknown author.
Date of Writing: The Book of Jonah was likely written between 793 and 758 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Disobedience and revival are the key themes in this book. Jonah’s experience in the
belly of the whale provides him with a unique opportunity to seek a unique deliverance, as he repents
during this equally unique retreat. His initial disobedience leads not only to his personal revival, but to
that of the Ninevites as well. Many classify the revival which Jonah brings to Nineveh as one of the
greatest evangelistic efforts of all time.

Key Verses: Jonah 1:3, "But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish..."

Jonah 1:17, "But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three
days and three nights."

Jonah 2:2, "In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the depths of the grave I
called for help, and you listened to my cry."

Key people: Jonah, The chief captain and crew

MICAH
Author: The author of the Book of Micah was the Prophet Micah (Micah 1:1).

Date of Writing: The Book of Micah was likely written between 735 and 700 B.C.
Purpose of Writing: The message of the Book of Micah is a complex mixture of judgment and hope. On
the one hand, the prophecies announce judgment upon Israel for social evils, corrupt leadership and
idolatry. This judgment was expected to culminate in the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem. On the
other hand, the book proclaims not merely the restoration of the nation, but the transformation and
exaltation of Israel and Jerusalem. The messages of hope and doom are not necessarily contradictory,
however, since restoration and transformation take place only after judgment.

Key Verses: Micah 1:2, "Hear, O peoples, all of you, listen, O earth and all who are in it, that the
Sovereign LORD may witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple."

Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you
will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Micah 6:8, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Key people: the people of samaria and jerusalem

NAHUM
Author: The author of the Book of Nahum identifies himself as Nahum (in the Hebrew “Consoler” or
“Comforter”) the Elkoshite (1:1). There are many theories as to where that city was though there is no
conclusive evidence. One such theory is that it refers to the city later called Capernaum (which literally
means “the village of Nahum”) at the Sea of Galilee.
Date of Writing: Given the limited amount of information that we know about Nahum, the best we can
do is narrow the timeframe in which the Book of Nahum was written to between 663 and 612 B.C. Two
events are mentioned that help us to determine these dates. First, Nahum mentions Thebes (No Amon)
in Egypt falling to the Assyrians (663 B.C.) in the past tense, so it had already happened. Second, the
remainder of Nahum's prophecies came true in 612 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Nahum did not write this book as a warning or “call to repentance” for the people
of Nineveh. God had already sent them the prophet Jonah 150 years earlier with His promise of what
would happen if they continued in their evil ways. The people at that time had repented but now lived
just as bad if not worse than they did before. The Assyrians had become absolutely brutal in their
conquests (hanging the bodies of their victims on poles and putting their skin on the walls of their tents
among other atrocities). Now Nahum was telling the people of Judah to not despair because God had
pronounced judgment and the Assyrians would soon be getting just what they deserved.

Key Verses: Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in
him.”

Nahum 1:14a. “The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: ‘You will have no descendants
to bear your name.'”

Nahum 1:15a, “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims
peace!” See also Isaiah 52:7 and Romans 10:15.

Nahum 2:13a, “'Behold I am against you,' says the LORD of hosts.”

HABAKKUK
Author: Habakkuk 1:1 identifies the Book of Habakkuk as an oracle from the prophet Habakkuk.

Date of Writing: The Book of Habakkuk was likely written between 610 and 605 BC.
Purpose of Writing: The prophet Habakkuk decries the sins of Judah but grapples with the fact that
God’s chosen people will suffer at the hands of enemies even more wicked than they. God answers
Habakkuk’s questions, resulting in continuing faith in God’s wisdom, sovereignty, and salvation.

Key Verses:

Habakkuk 1:2, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’
but you do not save?”

Habakkuk 1:5, “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something
in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

Habakkuk 1:12, “Are you not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die” (ESV).

Key people: Habakkuk, the Babylonians

ZECHARIAH
Author: Zechariah 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Zechariah as the Prophet Zechariah.

Date of Writing: The Book of Zechariah was likely written in two primary segments, between 520 and
470 B.C.
Purpose of Writing: Zechariah emphasized that God has used His prophets to teach, warn, and correct
His people. Unfortunately, they refused to listen. Their sin brought God’s punishment. The book also
bears evidence that even prophecy could be corrupted. History shows that in this period prophecy fell
into disfavor among the Jews, leading to the period between the Testaments when no lasting prophetic
voice spoke to God’s people.

Key Verses:

Zechariah 1:3, "Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares
the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty."

Zechariah 7:13, "'When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,' says the
LORD Almighty."

Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes
to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Key people:Jerobabel, Jeshua

HAGGAI
Author: Haggai 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Haggai as the Prophet Haggai.

Date of Writing: The Book of Haggai was written in approximately 520 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Haggai sought to challenge the people of God concerning their priorities. He called
them to reverence and glorify God by building the Temple in spite of local and official opposition. Haggai
called them not to be discouraged because this Temple would not be quite as richly decorated as
Solomon's. He exhorted them to turn from the uncleanness of their ways and to trust in God's sovereign
power. The Book of Haggai is a reminder of the problems the people of God faced at this time, how the
people courageously trusted in God, and how God provided for their needs.

Key Verses: Haggai 1:4, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this
house remains a ruin?"

Haggai 1:5-6, "Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways. You have
planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your
fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.'"

Haggai 2:9, "'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the
LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."

Key people: Haggai, Zerubabbel, jashua

ZEPHANIAH
Author: Zephaniah 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Zephaniah as the Prophet Zephaniah. The
name Zephaniah means "defended by God."

Date of Writing: The book of Zephaniah was written during the reign of King Josiah, likely in the early
part of his reign, between 635 and 625 BC.
Purpose of Writing: Zephaniah's message of judgment and encouragement contains three major
doctrines: 1) God is sovereign over all nations. 2) The wicked will be punished and the righteous will be
vindicated on the day of judgment. 3) God blesses those who repent and trust in Him.

Key Verses: Zephaniah 1:18, "Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of
the LORD's wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a
sudden end of all who live in the earth."

Zephaniah 2:3, "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek
righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger."

MALACHI
Author: Malachi 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Malachi as the Prophet Malachi.

Date of Writing: The Book of Malachi was written between 440 and 400 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Malachi is an oracle: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi
(1:1). This was God’s warning through Malachi to tell the people to turn back to God. As the final book of
the Old Testament closes, the pronouncement of God’s justice and the promise of His restoration
through the coming Messiah is ringing in the ears of the Israelites. Four hundred years of silence ensues,
ending with a similar message from God’s next prophet, John the Baptist, proclaiming, “Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2).

Key Verses: Malachi 1:6, “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the
honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me? says the Lord Almighty. It is you, O
priests, who show contempt for my name.”

Malachi 3:6-7, “I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since
the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to
me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty.”

Key people: Malachi, the priest