| Book | Traditional Authorship | Common Scholarly View | Date Written | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua | Joshua | Unknown Authors | 7th to 6th Century B.C.E. | Josh 24:15 "As for me and my house..." |
| Judges | Samuel | Multiple Unknown Authors | 6th Century B.C.E. | Judg 21:25 "Everyone did what was right..." |
| Ruth | Samuel | Unknown Authors | 6th to 5th Century B.C.E. | Ruth 1:16 "Where you go, I will go..." |
| 1 Samuel | Samuel, Nathan, and Gad | Multiple Unknown Authors | 7th to 6th Century B.C.E. | 1 Sam 16:7 "The Lord looks at the heart." |
| 2 Samuel | Samuel, Nathan, and Gad | Multiple Unknown Authors | 7th to 6th Century B.C.E. | 2 Sam 7:16 "Your throne will be established..." |
| 1 Kings | Jeremiah | Multiple Unknown Authors | 7th to 6th Century B.C.E. | 1 Kings 3:9 "Give your servant a discerning heart." |
| 2 Kings | Jeremiah | Multiple Unknown Authors | 7th to 6th Century B.C.E. | 2 Kings 17:22 "Israel had sinned against the Lord..." |
| 1 Chronicles | Ezra | Multiple Unknown Authors | 400-300 B.C.E. | 1 Chron 16:11 "Seek the Lord and His strength." |
| 2 Chronicles | Ezra | Multiple Unknown Authors | 400-300 B.C.E. | 2 Chron 7:14 "If my people humble themselves..." |
| Ezra | Ezra | Multiple Unknown Authors | 5th Century B.C.E. | Ezra 7:10 "Ezra had set his heart..." |
| Nehemiah | Nehemiah | Multiple Unknown Authors | 5th Century B.C.E. | Neh 2:20 "The God of heaven will give us success." |
| Esther | Unknown Author | Unknown Author | 4th Century B.C.E. | Est 4:14 "For such a time as this." |
- Book 6: Joshua
- In this narrative, the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, enter and conquer the land of Canaan following Moses' death. The book details a series of military campaigns and the subsequent division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. It also emphasizes Joshua's role in reaffirming the covenant between the Israelites and God. (Read Joshua now)
- Book 7: Judges
- The Book of Judges depicts a cycle of Israelite leaders, known as judges, rising and falling in a period of instability after the conquest of Canaan. The narrative portrays a pattern of Israelite disobedience to God, leading to oppression by foreign powers, followed by a judge delivering them from these oppressors. Notable figures include Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, each illustrating the challenges and moral complexities of this era. (Read Judges now)
- Book 8: Ruth
- A touching narrative of loyalty and love, Ruth, a Moabite, remains devoted to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after tragedy strikes. Her eventual marriage to Boaz not only highlights the theme of redemption but also positions her in the direct lineage of King David. (Read Ruth now)
- Book 9: 1 Samuel
- From the birth of the prophet Samuel to the tumultuous reign of Israel's first king, Saul, this book provides a look at the transition of Israel from a tribal confederation to a monarchy. It sets the stage for the rise of David, Israel's greatest king. (Read 1 Samuel now)
- Book 10: 2 Samuel
- This sequel continues the story of David's reign, following his anointing as king of Israel. The book details his political and military achievements, personal struggles, and moral failings, including the story of David and Bathsheba. It concludes with David's consolidation of power and preparations for the building of the Temple thus setting the stage for the transition to his son Solomon's reign. (Read 2 Samuel now)
- Book 11: 1 Kings
- 1 Kings chronicles the zenith and decline of Israel's united monarchy. From the glory days of Solomon's temple construction to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah, the narrative reveals how leaders can shape a nation's fate. (Read 1 Kings now)
- Book 12: 2 Kings
- With a succession of rulers, 2 Kings details the final chapters of both the northern and southern kingdoms. Despite intermittent revivals, rampant idolatry ultimately leads to Israel's exile by Assyria and Judah's devastation by Babylon. (Read 2 Kings now)
- Book 13: 1 Chronicles
- 1 Chronicles offers a genealogical retelling of Israel's history, with an emphasis on David's reign. It begins with a series of genealogies tracing the lineage from Adam to the Davidic line, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises. The latter part of the book details David's reign, his preparations for the construction of the Temple, and the organization of the priesthood and Levites, showcasing his role in establishing religious worship in Israel. (Read 1 Chronicles now)
- Book 14: 2 Chronicles
- Focusing on the reign of Solomon and subsequent kings of Judah, this narrative extends to the Babylonian exile. It highlights Solomon's construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and his wisdom, as well as the varying degrees of faithfulness of Judah's kings to their covenant with God. The book culminates with the Temple's destruction and the exile, presented as repercussions of the nation's unfaithfulness. (Read 2 Chronicles now)
- Book 15: Ezra
- This post-exilic book chronicles the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and their efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the priestly guidance of Ezra. It focuses on the restoration of religious and communal life in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Law of Moses. (Read Ezra now)
- Book 16: Nehemiah
- As the walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, Nehemiah, the cupbearer to the Persian king, takes on the daunting task of rebuilding. His leadership and the people's collaborative spirit exemplify restoration in the face of adversity. (Read Nehemiah now)
- Book 17: Esther
- Set in the Persian Empire, Esther, a Jewish queen, bravely intervenes to prevent the genocide of her people. With divine providence at play, the narrative celebrates the origins of the Jewish festival of Purim. (Read Esther now)
