Five Sections in the Old Testament

5—Books of Law (Genesis to Deuteronomy). In the Pentateuch Israel was chosen, redeemed, disciplined, and instructed.

12—Books of History (Joshua to Esther). These history books record Canaan’s conquest, the time of the judges, the United Kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon, and the division of that kingdom into the North (Israel) and the South (Judah). Each kingdom was eventually taken into captivity because of sin. Judah returned under Zerrubabel and Ezra (and some people from Israel’s ten tribes). The first seventeen Old Testament books show Israel’s history from its beginning to the end of the Old Testament period (corresponding with the time of Malachi). The twenty-two books that follow them fit back into the history of the first seventeen.

5—Books of Poetry (Job to Song of Solomon). These five poetical books focus on man’s relationship with God—worship and holy living.

5—Books of the Major Prophets (Isaiah to Daniel). The difference between major and minor prophets is not one of importance but of length. The average length of the major prophets is 36 chapters; the average length of the minor prophets is six chapters.

12—Books of the Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi). The prophets focus on both their generation (as forth-tellers) and future generations (as foretellers). They preached strongly against the moral iniquity and idolatry of their contemporaries and foretold of the coming Messiah and His kingdom (consoation and future hope).