Summary of the books of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus is of the narrative genre initially and then switches to law. This book covers the development of Israel into a real nation, and falls into seven distinct sections. First there is the birth and education of Moses who was born an Israelite, but raised as an Egyptian. During the suffering of Israel, God used a burning bush to show Moses that he was the one to deliver the Israelites out of bondage. Second was Moses confronting the Pharaoh with the ten plagues, which included the observance of the first Passover. Next we read of the parting of the Red Sea and narrative of the journey of Moses guiding the people to Sinai. The fourth section covers the delivery of the Ten Commandments or laws by God on Mt. Sinai. Then we have the section on the building of the tabernacle. The six section covers the renewing of the covenant with God after the sinful actions of the Israelites in worshiping the golden calf. The last section covers the building and dedication of the Tabernacle.

Deuteronomy
This book’s genre is law, which is actually taken from the Greek word for “the second law.” Before being delivered to the promised land of the Canaan, Moses spoke to the people with forceful presentations of the essential parts of God’s revelation including emphasis on the spiritual principles of the law and its fulfillment. He also sought to teach application of the law to circumstances the Israelites would face in their new life in Canaan. There were three speeches delivered, with the first containing warnings against their past sin and the necessity of obedience. The second was a more detailed explanation and reiteration of the Ten Commandments as well as special statutes on various matters to assist in ethical and religious recourse. Moses gave instructions on clean and unclean food, tithes, and feasts as well.