Genesis

The book of Genesis is primarily narrative scripture. Since Genesis is the first book of the entire bible, the focus is on GOD’s Creation and how through the lives of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph, he demonstrates his power over them in maintaining his creation. The events of the Fall of man and the Flood are paramount in this book. Genesis begins with GOD creating the world, and everything, and everyone (Adam and Eve) in it. The Fall began when Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD, introducing sin into this world. As mankind multiplied, so did sin. GOD confirmed his power over all things in flooding the earth to rid it of sin, choosing only to keep Noah and his family. Abraham, descendent of Noah, and his lineage was then chosen by GOD in a covenant to be His new nation called Israel. Abraham’s son, Isaac, and Isaac’s son, Jacob continued to be chosen people, kept by GOD throughout trials and tribulations. Jacob’s son, Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers only to rule over them and the rest of his family in Egypt during a great famine of that time, closes out the book of Genesis.

Exodus

The book of Exodus is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on the oppression of GOD’s chosen people in Egypt, their departure and journey out of Egypt to the Promised Land led by Moses, and GOD’s covenant with them. Exodus begins where the book of Genesis ends with the 12 tribes of Israel now in Egypt given that Joseph, one of the 12, was there in a position of authority. The original 12 have all passed and their lineage suffered oppression under new Egyptian leaders, Pharaohs. GOD called upon Moses, born in the family line of one of the 12 tribes, Levi, to lead his people out of bondage. Through Moses, GOD demonstrated his power over all things by inflicting Egypt with plagues when Pharaoh refused to let Israel go. The result of the plagues was the first Passover, foreshadowing GOD’s greatest gift, thus Pharaoh let Israel go. Through the miracle of Moses parting the Red Sea, GOD delivered His people out of Egypt. Israel wandered the wilderness and GOD continued to keep them through more miracles. It was at Sinai that through Moses again, GOD gave Israel His Law, the Ten Commandments and other various laws. The book of Exodus ends with concentrated descriptions of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle.

Leviticus

The book of Leviticus is primarily law but it also has some historical narrative scripture. This book focuses on GOD’s holiness and the command for holiness in His people. Key people in this book are Levites, Moses, Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Abihu. Leviticus begins with Moses outlining a sacrificial system which consists of various types of offerings to GOD. Through these offerings people maintain their relationship with GOD. GOD chose the tribe of Levi to be a representative of Him on earth, and to represent the people to Him; this was called priesthood. Leviticus recounts the consecration of Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Adihu to the priesthood, describing the guidelines for how a priest should be. This would include instruction about various celebrations such as the Day of Atonement, the Sabbath, and the year of Jubilee. This book ends with Moses describing laws concerning the importance of being clean and laws pertaining to living a holy life.

Numbers

The book of Numbers is primarily narrative scripture, but contains some law. This book focuses on GOD sustaining Israel as they wandered in the wilderness, and upon arriving at the Promised Land. Key people in this book are Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. Numbers got its name from how the book begins with GOD instructing Moses to count the people and how it ends with Moses recounting the people. In the middle of the censuses, the people follow the pattern of disobedience and rebellion toward GOD, resulting in punishment and repentance. Several occasions arose in which the people questioned GOD either by questioning Moses and Aaron’s authority, or by dissatisfaction with how GOD kept them fed. GOD punished the people by extending their wandering and causing suffering to them through their health and by death. Even Moses disobeyed GOD by not speaking to the rock and GOD punished him by not allowing him to enter the Promised Land. The people grumbled more and GOD punished them by attacks from other nations. Joshua led these battles in victory. GOD chose Joshua to succeed Moses. Numbers ends with Moses preparing the people to enter the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy

The book of Deuteronomy is primarily law. This book focuses on addressing the new generation concerning the Law and covenant with GOD as they are about to enter the Promised Land. Key people in this book are Moses and Joshua. Deuteronomy reiterates everything addressed to the previous generation at Mount Sinai. Moses stressed the adherence to the Law by not only those standing before him, but also those descendents who are yet to come. He specifically ordered the people to renew their covenant with GOD in a ceremony on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim involving the writing of the Law on stones. Because GOD did not allow Moses to enter unto the Promised Land, the leadership role was passed down to Joshua in the presence of the people. Deuteronomy ends with a song and blessing from Moses to the people before he goes on top of Mount Nebo to die.

Joshua

The book of Joshua is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on how Israel, guided by GOD, conquered the land that He promised to them, how they were to divide the Promised Land among the tribes, and Joshua’s encouragement to the people. The key person in this book is Joshua. The book begins with GOD encouraging Joshua, in his new role as leader of Israel, to be ‘strong and courageous,’ as he leads the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This crossing of the Jordan River united the people because it modeled the crossing of the Red Sea. Joshua led Israel to victory in the battle of Jericho by faith in GOD’s instruction to march around the city walls causing them to crumble. The victory at Ai came at second attempt due to disobedience causing the loss in the first attempt. GOD continued to guide Joshua and his troops in successful battles in the north and south of the Promised Land until Israel had complete control. GOD then directed the division of the land amongst the twelve tribes. This book ends with two encouraging speeches to the people by Joshua reminding them that GOD got them there and they were to serve Him only.

Judges

The book of Judges is primarily narrative scripture. This book showcases the pattern that Israel took in departing from serving GOD, suffering oppression in result, crying out for deliverance, GOD delivering Israel through a judge, and obeying GOD until the judge goes away causing the pattern to repeat itself. Judges shows how GOD continued to keep his people even in their sinful ways. Key people in this book are three major judges, Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. Through the song of Deborah, a female judge, we learn that by GOD’s intercession the people were relieved of the oppression caused by disobedience, from the north. The people continued to do ‘evil in the eyes of the LORD’ and with Gideon, a judge appointed by GOD to lead the army, they were able to suppress oppression yet again. Following the pattern, the people forsook GOD and suffered from the Philistines. Samson, a Nazirite judge whose strength rested in his long hair, delivered the people from the Philistines by giving his own life. Judges ends with illustrations recounting Israel’s continued apostasy by doing what each individual saw fit.

Ruth

The book of Ruth is primarily narrative scripture. Through a story of love, this book focuses on GOD’s blessings on those who are obedient. The key people in this book are Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Because of the deaths of their husbands, Ruth followed her mother-in-law, Naomi to Bethlehem to seek food in a time of famine. Being a Moabitess, she also adopted Naomi’s religion of serving GOD. Ruth ended up working in the fields of Boaz, who was a distant relative. Boaz adored her and made sure his workers provided her with plenty in the fields to take home. Naomi informed Ruth that Boaz was her kinsman-redeemer and so she asked him to take his place. Boaz took all the steps that he needed to do in order to redeem her. Ruth and Boaz were married and had a son. This book ends with genealogy showing how David came from the lineage of Ruth.

First Samuel

The book of First Samuel is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on the period of transition from GOD judging Israel to Israel being ruled by kings. The key people in First Samuel are Samuel, Saul, and David. This book begins with the divine birth of Samuel, the last judge, and his dedication to GOD. Because he was dedicated to GOD by his mother, Samuel lived his life early on in the temple. He judged the people into obedience of GOD until they attempted to model themselves after other nations by wanting a king. GOD told Samuel to anoint Saul as the first King of Israel. After several acts of disobedience by Saul, GOD commands Samuel to anoint another king. David. David shines in battle and amongst the people causing Saul to resent him. GOD continued to keep David through attempts on his life by Saul. This book ends with Samuel judging one last time informing Saul that he would die due to his disobedience.

Second Samuel

The book of Second Samuel is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on the reign of David as King of Israel as well as illustrating the Davidic Covenant and how GOD forgives those who repent. David is Key in this book. After dying in battle, Saul’s son succeeds him to the throne in Israel, the north. David; however, is crowned king in Judah, the south, but shortly after becomes king of all the land when Saul’s son is killed in battle. When David tries to build a temple, GOD commands him not to and instead establishes the Davidic Covenant which blesses David and his family to come. Showing ideally that David should be the king; he leads his people to many victories in battle, but disobeys GOD by lusting after someone else’s wife. GOD punished David by causing unrest in his family, resulting in David being usurped by his own son. After his son was killed, David returned to the throne. Second Samuel ends with an afterthought about a famine, a song from David, accounts of the adventures of warriors fighting under David, and David sinning against GOD with the resulting punishment of famine.

First Kings

The book of First Kings is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on the destruction of Israel due to disobedience of GOD and how the various kings continued to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. Key people in this book are Solomon and Elijah. Solomon, David’s son born from an affair, became king after the death of David. Solomon proved worthy in seeking wisdom from GOD in order to rule the people and he constructed the temple that GOD had not allowed his father, David, to do. In return, GOD promised blessings for sustained obedience, but Solomon fell short when he married many wives and started worshiping their gods as well as serving mammon. GOD then took the kingdom away from him resulting in two separately ruled kingdoms, the north and the south, Israel and Judah respectively. Evil kings continued to rule each kingdom. This book ends with accounts of GOD’s prophet, Elijah, in whom He tried to get the people to serve only him again.

Second Kings

The book of Second Kings is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on GOD remaining in control, through his prophets, of his people despite the evil kings that ruled Israel and Judah as well as the exile of the people out of Israel and Judah due to continued disobedience. Key people in this book are Elisha and various prophets. Elisha and all the other prophets as well as few kings in Judah, attempted to turn the people back to worshiping GOD, but the nation resorted back to pagan ways every time. GOD provided a way for the people to avoid suffering through use of his prophets, but they were rejected by the people. Because of this, GOD punished the unfaithfulness of Israel by allowing the Assyrians to destroy the nation. GOD also punished Judah by allowing the Babylonians to conquer the nation. The prophecies of every true prophet, which was ultimately destruction due to disobedience, in turn ended up occurring.

First Chronicles

The book of First Chronicles is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on readdressing to the people in exile how they came to be in their current situation, scattered out of their Promised Land. The theme of obedience bringing blessings as well as disobedience bringing suffering is indirectly understood in this book. Key people in this book are David and Solomon. First Chronicles begins with a family tree of the people tracing them back to Abraham. This allows the people to see that they are chosen for a reason. The book then retells how David came unto his position as King. This shows the people how even His faithful are capable of sinning against him, but through repentance, GOD forgives and will keep you. This also serves as prophecy to the people of the coming Messiah from the line of David. This book ends with David’s son Solomon becoming king.

Second Chronicles

The book of Second Chronicles is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on the southern kingdom, Judah and how it eventually fell to the Babylonians. The theme of obedience bringing blessings as well as disobedience bringing suffering is indirectly understood in this book. Key people in this book are Solomon, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah. It begins with the positive impact of Solomon building the temple. The people began to worship GOD again but then turned away. Jehoshaphat cleansed the nation of pagan shrines and sent teachers of the Law out unto the people. The people again worshipped GOD, but turned away. Hezekiah restored worship of GOD in the temple as well as repairing it. He rededicated it and the people joined together to celebrate the Passover. Both Israel and Judah’s pagan shrines were destroyed during his reign. Hezekiah’s son eventually succeeded him and the people turned away. Josiah cleansed the temple again, promoting worshipping GOD and removing pagan idols. This book ends with accounts of the people turning away yet again, and how the evil kings ruled which resulted in Babylon conquering Judah.

Ezra

The book of Ezra is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on the return of the Jews from Babylon to their land and the building of the second temple under the leadership of Zerrubabel, Joshua, and Ezra, who are significant in this book. Rededication is the key theme in this book. It begins with the first group of exiles under the leadership of Prince Zerrubabel and Joshua, a priest returning to the land after Cyrus’s decree. Following arrival, they celebrated Rosh Hashanah and Sukkoth. Then they began to rebuild the temple and were offered help from the Samaritans, who they ended up turning down. Consequently, the building of the temple halted due to increasing threats from Samaritans. Through GOD’s prophet, the building picked back up again and the temple was completed. The second wave of exiles was led by Ezra in order to teach the Law to Jews already there. This book ends with Ezra advising the men to divorce their foreign wives.

Nehemiah

The book of Nehemiah is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on one man’s selfless desire to do good for his people in order to glorify GOD. Key people in this book are Ezra and Nehemiah. It begins with Nehemiah praying to GOD to make a way for him to get to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls around the city. GOD answered prayer and Nehemiah stepped into the temporary role of governor of Jerusalem. Nehemiah enlisted the help of the people in an organized fashion to rebuild the walls in record timing. Along with Era, he assembled the Jews for a renewal of the covenant with GOD. Nehemiah’s role as governor ended so he left Jerusalem only to return shortly after to a city that was dishonoring GOD by not keeping the Sabbath holy. Nehemiah turned things around by cleansing the temple, reinstituting the tithe, and enforcing keeping the Sabbath. This book ends addressing the problem of the children not able to read GOD’s law since they were not taught how to speak the language of the people.

Esther

The book of Esther is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on GOD’s care for his people although His name never appears in the script. Key people in this book are Esther, Mordecai, and Haman. It begins with establishing Esther, a Jew as queen because she won the beauty pageant that the king of Persia held to replace his former wife. Mordecai was a loyal worker in the king’s palace and was also Esther’s guardian. When Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, one of the king’s high official, Haman sought revenge on the Jews. Mordecai learned of this and beseeched Esther to save her people. Having withheld her race from the King, Esther trusted in GOD and risked her life by pleading for the king to intercede and stop Haman. The king in turn did so, and Haman was hanged. The book of Esther ends with the establishment of the Festival of Purim.

Job

The book of Job is primarily wisdom poetry scripture. This book focuses on how the righteous do not suffer solely because of disobedience; nevertheless their suffering strengthens their faith in GOD. Job is the key person in this book. It begins showcasing who Job is in regards to his character and relationship with GOD. Then we learn that Job’s wife turned away from him and he loses his health. Job contemplated why he ultimately lost everything and his “friends” assure him that it was because he must have sinned against GOD. They argue with him to confess his sin so that his suffering ceases, but Job cannot fathom what it is he must have done. GOD intervenes and enlightens them, telling them that the answer rests in the spiritual realm. Despite his suffering, Job remained faithful to GOD. Because of this, GOD doubly restores to JOB all that he had lost.

Psalms

The book of Psalms is entirely psalm scripture. This book is a collection of one-hundred and fifty poems, songs and hymns that express complete trust in GOD’s guidance and care. There are no key people in this book other than GOD, but key authors of the psalms are David, David’s son, Solomon, Asaph, and Moses. The book of Psalms can be divided into five distinctive topics; worshiping GOD, teaching worship, the consequences of wrong worship, worship and repentance, and worship and hope. Within these topics there are the categories of psalms which are laments, songs of trust, songs of confession and praise psalms. Laments are poems crying out to GOD about grief or sorrow by and individual or group of individuals. Songs of trust are about trust in GOD. Songs of confession address the sin in life that causes suffering. Praise psalms boast of GOD is truly great and powerful.

Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is wisdom scripture. This book is a collection of observations predominately written by Solomon pertaining to the belief that consequences result from actions. It is a collection of common-sense standards that teach the reader to live a life that is pleasing unto GOD. There is no key person in this book, but Solomon is recognized as its principal author. There are three major sections to this book. The first is instruction from a father to a young son, identifying reasons for actions. The second is a group of scripture that gives perceptions concentrating on various life issues. The last is a section attributed to people who feared the Lord and may or may not have been Israelites, Agur and Lemuel, but express their wise insights concerning life as well.

Ecclesiastes

The book of Ecclesiastes is wisdom scripture. This book focuses on the perspective of the author in finding a sense of meaning in worldly things and concludes with the acknowledgement that it is found in faith in GOD. The key person in this book is Solomon, who is largely believed to be author as well. It begins with the preacher’s (author’s) descriptions of all things “under the sun,” which are material, temporary, things on earth, in which he attempt to find happiness. These things were wisdom and philosophy, pleasure, alcohol, self achievement, money, property, and sex. It is in these things that the Preacher searches for a meaning in life. The last part of the book consists of the Preacher’s coming to the realization that life with GOD has no meaning. He then urged the reader to acknowledgment GOD early on in life so that later in life there will be no discontent.

Songs of Solomon

The book of Songs of Solomon is wisdom scripture. This book focuses on celebrating true love between a man and a woman, literally, allegorically, and prophetically through song. The key people in this book are literally the husband and the wife, allegorically GOD and Israel, and prophetically, Jesus and the church (believers). It begins with the early stage of a relationship, which is the courtship. Through dialogue between the man and woman, it illustrates the initial acknowledgement and acceptance of each other. The second part is the wedding between the man and woman which is the cementing of the two with a vow. This illustrates the agreement that the two are now on one accord. The last part of this book is the marriage, which shows a sense of responsibility. This illustrates that the exchange of love between the two is required in order for the relationship to work.

Isaiah

The book of Isaiah is prophetic scripture. This book focuses on one man’s attempt to sway the people to repent and obey GOD in order to end their suffering as well as prophesying the coming of the Messiah. The key person in this book is Isaiah. This book can be separated into three distinctive sections. Within the first part, Isaiah identifies the sins of the northern and southern kingdoms, Israel and Judah respectively. Through Isaiah, GOD declares the harsh punishment of destruction on both Israel and Judah, as well as their surrounding kingdoms for not parting from their evil ways. Isaiah foretells that the Messiah will come from a virgin. The second part, Isaiah implores the people to return to worshipping GOD as they return back to their lands from exile. Isaiah foretells that the Messiah will restore life through His death. The last part of the book, Isaiah encourages the righteous to remain faithful amongst the sinners because there is great reward for obedience to GOD.

Jeremiah

The book of Jeremiah is prophetic scripture. This book focuses on one man speaking for GOD in a last attempt during the time with the southern kingdom, Judah declined and fell. Jeremiah urges Judah to repent from their idolatrous ways and turn back to GOD in order to avoid destruction, while knowing that it was inevitable. The key people in this book are Jeremiah, King Zedekiah, and Nebuchadnezzar. This book begins with Jeremiah passionately condemning Judah for lack of faith and idolatry. He then warns Judah of the upcoming destruction by Babylon because GOD’s patience was wearing. Jeremiah foretells of the New Covenant with GOD after captivity and for this, King Zedekiah persecutes him. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captures Judah and GOD allows him to destroy it as well because of continued disobedience. This destruction causes a massive exile. This book ends with GOD’s promise, through prophecy of Jeremiah that He will deliver His people from captivity.

Lamentations

The book of Lamentations is psalm scripture. This book is a collection of five poems expressing grief and sorrow about the destruction of Israel and Judah. Its purpose was to show how disobedience results in tremendous suffering and agony. The key people in this book are the prophet Jeremiah and the people of Israel and Judah. The first four poems are written in acrostic form; the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet begin each stanza of the poems in order. Lamentations begins with Jeremiah in mourning because of the destruction of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah by the work of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Jeremiah then describes GOD’s anger toward the disobedience of his chosen people. He describes his emotions concerning the destruction because he suffered as well, but is reminded of GOD’s faithful promise to deliver and restore His people. Finally, Jeremiah prays to GOD to keep his promise.

Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the prophet Ezekiel communicating to Judah GOD’s sovereignty, submission to Him, and hope for a better future through symbolic actions, allegories, visions, and figurative speech. Ezekiel is the key person in this book. This book begins with GOD calling upon the priest Ezekiel, as a prophetic watchman, to eat a scroll and speak unto the people, letting them know that his words are of GOD. Ezekiel warned the people that destruction was upon them for their rebellion against GOD. He also told them of the judgment of the surrounding nations as well because everyone who did not recognize GOD would all be punished as well. Babylon captured Judah. Ezekiel then turned his prophecy toward GOD delivering the people and restoring them back to their land. Lastly, he explicitly foretells of the people worshipping GOD in a new temple.

Daniel

The book of Daniel is narrative and prophetic scripture. This book show that GOD rewards relentless faith in Him during times of trouble. It is a record of the life of the prophet Daniel while he served in the Royal Court of King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. Key people in this book are Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and King Nebuchadnezzar. The first half of this book illustrates how Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego wound up being in King Nebuchadnezzar’s Royal Court. Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream causing him to build a statue that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to. They were thrown into a fiery cistern, but GOD spared them due to their great faith. Daniel interprets a message of judgment on Babylon due to the king’s son’s sin. Daniel survives being thrown into a lion’s den. The last half concerns Daniel’s visions about the future kingdoms and their rulers, but also prophecies about the coming Messiah.

Hosea

The book of Hosea is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on one man’s struggle with loving an unfaithful wife. Metaphorically, it shows that GOD loves His chosen people even when they depart from Him. Key people in this book are Hosea and his wife Gomer. The first part of the book concerns the marriage of Hosea to Gomer, who was a harlot. Metaphorically this represented the relationship that GOD had with His chosen people, who departed by disobedience in serving idols. Together, Hosea and Gomer had three children each with prophetic names; Jezreel meaning “GOD sows,” Lo-Ruhamah meaning “no compassion,” and Lo-Ammni meaning “not my people.” Gomer leaves Hosea after bearing him three children, but Hosea takes her back when GOD instructs him to do so. The last part of the book concerns the separation of GOD from His people, but the return of them to Him by way of repentance.

Joel

The book of Joel is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the prophecies of Joel against the southern kingdom, Judah. It addresses GOD’s complete control over the people in that only he can deliver them from their suffering. The key person in this book is Joel. This book begins with a locust plague that spreads throughout the nation, causing drought and famine. Joel uses the plague as a warning that GOD will allow nearby nations to destroy the southern kingdom because of their disobedience unless they repent. He predicts the Day of the Lord, when every nation will be judged, comparing it to the plague. Joel pleads with the people to repent because GOD’s grace will save them from the plague. He predicts a restoration in the physical sense, as well as spiritual. This prophecy shows that in the future with the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will be among the believers.

Amos

The book of Amos is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the prophecies of Amos against the northern kingdom, Israel. It addressed the destruction of Israel due to continued disobedience of GOD. The key person in this book is the prophet, Amos. This book begins with Amos confidently declared judgment on seven nations, including Israel and Judah. Israel was at a high point as a nation. The nation flourished with wealth and power over surrounding nations, but GOD was not in the picture. Amos fearlessly denounced the sins of the people which were greed, idolatry, pagan worship, disregard for GOD’s word, corruption in leadership, and the oppression of the poor. The people rejected him because they delighted in their sins. He pleaded with them to repent. The most extreme was on Israel. He had visions from GOD of the upcoming destruction being near. The book of Amos ends with a prophecy of GOD’s restoring his people back to their land.

Obadiah

The book of Obadiah is poetic prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the condemnation of the Edomites for their sins against Israel and GOD. Key people in this book are the prophet Obadiah and the people of Edom, Edomites. Israelites hail from Jacob, and Edomites hail from Esau, Jacob’s brother. Dissension between the brothers carried on with time and existed between the Israelites and Edomites. Obadiah predicted the complete destruction of Edom. This was due to their pride and their pleasure in the distresses of Israel. It is also because they refuse to help Israel out in times of conflict and resort to joining the opposition against them. The book ends with a prophecy concerning the “day of the Lord,” which is about the coming of the Messiah and how GOD’s people will be saved by Him.

Jonah

The book of Jonah is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on GOD as sovereign over all nations. The key people in this book are Jonah, the prophet and the people of Nineveh. The book begins with GOD calling Jonah to Nineveh in order to get them to repent their sins for they were doomed to destruction. Jonah refused because he wanted the people of Nineveh to fall to destruction by GOD. Because of Jonah’s disobedience, GOD put him in the belly of a fish for three days and three nights. Jonah survived the fish after he cried out for deliverance from GOD. Once again, GOD asked of Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach and Jonah obeyed. The people of Nineveh embraced GOD and repented their sins and GOD spared them. This book ends with Jonah angry at the revival and sparing of Nineveh. GOD then tells Jonah that His priorities were paramount, not Jonah’s.

Micah

The book of Micah is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the prophecies of Micah against the southern kingdom, Judah. It addressed GOD’s judgment on the sins of the people as well as restoration of the nation. The key people in this book are Micah and the people of Judah. He condemns the people of Judah for their oppression of the poor people as well as the leaders of the nation for not protecting the poor from the oppression. He also denounced false prophets who at the time were leading the people astray with worshipping more than one god by combining pagan rituals with sacrifices unto GOD. Micah’s prophecy was that GOD would destroy Judah, but He would restore only a remainder of his people that showed devotion toward Him. He also foretold of the coming of the Messiah that would who would be more than just flesh and blood and also that he would come from the city of Bethlehem.

Nahum

The book of Nahum is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on how GOD will avenge the sins of the people of Assyria against His chosen people. His chosen had suffered at the hands of the Assyrians for too long. Key people in this book are the prophet Nahum and the Assyrians. The book begins with GOD expressing his anger toward Nineveh for its evil ways. It then describes the various ways in which Nineveh angers GOD. GOD used Nahum to prophesy to the people of Judah that He will be the one to deliver them from their suffering, but they should not adhere themselves with Assyria for they will fall with them as well.

Habakkuk

The book of Habakkuk is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on why GOD would allow his chosen people to suffer. The key person in this book is the prophet Habakkuk. This book begins with Habakkuk crying out on behalf of the people to GOD for an answer as to why he was going to allow his people to suffer at the hands of the Babylonians. GOD replied stating that the Babylonians were being used to judge His people for their various sinful ways. Then Habakkuk questioned why GOD would judge the evilness of his chosen people with more evil people. GOD replies that in the overall picture, everyone is going to be judged of their sins, whether they were His people or not. Habakkuk then realized that he cannot begin to fathom how GOD goes about his business, but this allowed him to put his full trust in GOD.

Zephaniah

The book of Zephaniah is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the GOD’s judgment and the salvation of both the northern and southern kingdoms, Israel and Judah respectively. The key people in this book are the prophet Zephaniah, and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It begins with the history of Zephaniah traced back to prove who he was, which was an Israelite. In this book, the various peoples are named that would fall to the destruction. This included Israel and Judah as well as other surrounding nations. Zephaniah prophesied about the destruction of the whole world which is the Day of the Lord. In regards to this, he pleaded for the people to repent. He also prophesied that GOD will only restore a remnant of his people that showed devotion toward Him. This words in which Zephaniah described the Day of the Lord has implications that it is still yet to come to this day.

Haggai

The book of Haggai is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the encouragement from Haggai to the people returning from exile to begin the rebuilding of the temple. Key people in this book are Haggai, Zerubbabel, and Joshua. This book begins with Haggai challenging the people to put GOD first and rebuild not just their individual house, but rebuild the temple as well in order to receive the blessings of GOD. He reminds them of the glory of the old temple before the destruction and predicts that the new temple will be even the more glorious. Zerubbabel, the king, and Joshua, the priest, lead the people to obey GOD and sought out to rebuild the temple. Haggai also encouraged the people to continue building because they should remember what results from disobedience of GOD. He then has words of encouragement for Zerubbabel, stating that GOD chose him for his role as king for a reason.

Zechariah

The book of Zechariah is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on the encouragement from Zechariah to the people returning from exile to continue the rebuilding of the temple as well as concern for people’s worship of GOD. Key people in this book are priest and prophet, Zechariah, Zerubbabel the king, and another priest, Joshua. This book can be divided into two parts. The first part recounts through visions, people’s journey from captivity to the return to their land. One of the visions showed how GOD sent prophets to warn the people but they were largely ignored. Another vision reveals how Zerrubbabel and Joshua were in their leadership roles because GOD put them there. This encourages the people to continue rebuilding the temple. The second part was prophecy concerning the first and second coming of the Messiah and how through his betrayal and crucifixion all people can be saved. This shows how GOD is sovereign over everyone.

Malachi

The book of Malachi is primarily prophetic scripture. This book focuses on GOD’s last communication with His people through his prophet, Malachi. Key people in this book are Malachi and the Jews. This book begins with Malachi reiterating that GOD chose the Jews for a reason. He then points out how they are dishonoring GOD with inferior animal sacrifices, refusal of tithes and offerings, conducting in mixed marriages, and unlawful divorces. Despite all this, Malachi stresses that the people remember that GOD’s love is unwavering. He demanded they repent and remain faithful to GOD. He predicts the coming of John the Baptist and how he would precede the Messiah in order to prepare the way. The book of Malachi ends with the prophecy of the Day of the Lord proclaimed by the return of the prophet Elijah. In this time, GOD will judge the whole world, but He will sp