The Stories of the Bible

Genesis- Creation, Fall from Grace, The Flood, Noah's Covenant, Tower of Babel, Abraham's Covenant, Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed, Joseph Sold into Slavery, Joseph becomes Prime Minister of Egypt.

Period: 4000 BCE to 1806 BCE

-Main Characters: Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Joseph, God. -Content: The book of Genesis covers everything from creation in 4000 BC to the death of Joseph in roughly 1806 BC. This book's main genre is narrative, and this is the first book of law. The book mainly discusses creating humanity, humanity's redemption after falling, and ends with God's people hopeful for the promise land. Themes of God's judgement and rules are woven throughout the book.

Job- Job's Life, Job's Test, God's Result.

Period: 2100 BCE to 2100 BCE

-Main Characters: Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, Elihu, -Content: The book of Job is a wisdom book. It contains a description of Job's life as a righteous and God-loving man, the Devil convincing God to allow him to test Job, Job passing the test and God rewarding him. The book has themes of suffering and redemption throughout.

Exodus- Rescuing Baby Moses, Burning Bush, Battle with Pharoah, Plagues, Passover, Parting the Red Sea.

Period: 1800 BCE to 1445 BCE

-Main Characters: Moses, Miriam, Pharoah, Pharoah's Daughter, Aaron, Joshua. -Content: The book of Exodus covers everything from the upbringing of Moses to the freeing of God's people from the pharaoh. The book's main genres are Narrative and Law and describes God as a warrior forcing pharaoh to free his people. The book has themes of rewarding faithfulness, punishing oppressors, and God making good on his covenant promise.

Leviticus- Giving of Law, Sacrifice Procedures, Day of Atonement Instruction, Laws to be holy.

Period: 1445 BCE to 1445 BCE

-Main Characters: Moses, Aaron, God. -Content: The book of Leviticus is written as a Narrative and Law book. This book consists mainly of Moses instructing God's people on a variety of procedures that they need to uphold in order to be holy. He covers instructions on various things, from Sacrifices, to dealing with unclean things, to instructions for the day of atonement. The main theme throughout the book is that of encouraging holiness.

Numbers- Population Census, 2nd Passover, Roaming in Wilderness, Entering the Holy Land.

Period: 1445 BCE to 1407 BCE

-Main Characters: Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb. -Content: The book of Numbers covers the people of God's transition into the promise land. This book's main genre is narrative, and it cover's historical context for the people of Israel. The book mainly discusses the people attempting to enter the land, sinning, and getting punished to wander for forty years. Themes of God's judgement contrasting with his covenantal promise is woven throughout the book.

Psalms

Period: 1407 BCE to 586 BCE

Psalms is a book of the bible written across many different time periods, with lessons involving various different themes and characters. As such, it cannot be described in the same format. The book's genre is poetry, and there are various main characters within each section. The book describes praising the Lord, struggling with faith, and many other emotions associated with day-to-day life. This book ranges in themes of worship and suffering.

Deuteronomy- Moses speaks to the people, laws and morals discussed, Moses dies.

Period: 1407 BCE to 1406 BCE

-Main Characters: Moses, Joshua. -Content: The book of Deuteronomy covers many of God's moral laws and rules, then ends with Moses's death in 1407 BC. This book's main genre is narrative, and this is another book of law. The book mainly discusses what God's laws are, why the people should obey them, and committing to them as a nation. Themes of obedience to God and repentance are woven throughout the book.

Ruth- Ruth's Journey, Meeting Boaz, Life with Boaz.

Period: 1140 BCE to 1140 BCE

-Main Characters: Ruth, Boaz, Naomi. -Content: The main genre of Ruth is narrative, with some historical aspects involved. The book discusses Ruth's journey, meeting Boaz, and the restoration of Ruth's family with the presence of Boaz. The book has themes of redemption and kindness written throughout.

1 Chronicles- Genealogies, King David's Reign.

Period: 1003 BCE to 970 BCE

-Main Characters: David, Solomon. -Content: The book 1 Chronicles is written as a narrative. It contains a historical recollection of King David's rule, the start of Jerusalem, and the beginnings of temple construction. The book has themes of legacy and obedience throughout.

Proverbs

Period: 950 BCE to 950 BCE

Like Psalms, the book of Proverbs follows a slightly different format than the other biblical books. The book's genre is wisdom literature. It consists of a variety of teachings designed to educate the average person on how to best live their life and uses various literary techniques to do so. The book has themes of teaching and morality woven throughout.

Songs

Period: 950 BCE to 950 BCE

The book of songs doesn't follow the format that most biblical books do, but it's genre is that of poetry. As indicated by the genre, the book of song is a collection of poetry between two people who love each other. It is very passionate and describes the love involved in an emotional relationship. The themes of the book include that of love and fulfillment.

Ecclesiastes

Period: 937 BCE to 937 BCE

This book doesn't follow typical biblical format, but rather consists of a preacher offering wisdom for the masses. Considering this, the books genre is Wisdom literature, and it contains many lessons about how to live your life. The preacher examines everything from work to getting joy out of life. The book has themes of fearing God and Wisdom throughout.

Obadiah- Prophecy giving, Edom's destruction.

Period: 853 BCE to 853 BCE

-Main Characters: Obadiah, the people of Edom. -Content: The book of Obadiah is a book of prophecy. It contains a prophecy against Edom, describes Edom's flaws, and tells of Edom's future punishment. The book has themes of Arrogance and Judgement throughout.

Joel- Locust Plague, Call of Repentance, Day of the Lord.

Period: 835 BCE to 835 BCE

-Main Characters: Joel, the people of Judah. -Content: The genre of Joel is prophecy, with vivid imagery written throughout. The book discusses the locust plague, a warning for the future of those who sin, and prosperity for those who turn to God. The book has themes of restoration and repentance written throughout.

Amos- Prophecies of Judgement, Visions, Promise of Restoration.

Period: 766 BCE to 766 BCE

-Main Characters: Amos, God, North part of Israel. -Content: The book of Amos is a book of prophecy. The book mainly discusses the Northern kingdom's sin, the judgement that lays ahead of them, and hope for repentance. The book has themes of judgement and repentance written throughout.

Jonah- Jonah's Call, Jonah gets swallowed, Jonah's preaching.

Period: 760 BCE to 760 BCE

-Main Characters: Jonah, God, people of Nineveh. -Content: The book of Jonah is a prophecy mixed with narrative elements. It discusses Jonah's initial run from God, his time inside of the whale, and then his time spent doing God's work. This book has themes of God's mercy and forgiveness written throughout.

Hosea- Gomer's Marriage, Prophecies, speaks on God's love.

Period: 753 BCE to 753 BCE

-Main Characters: Hosea, Gomer. -Content: The book of Hosea is a mix of narrative and prophecy. It mainly discusses a symbolic representation of Israel's relationship with God, calls for Israel's repentance, and warning for Israel. The book of Hosea has themes of God's covenant and love woven throughout.

Isaiah- Preaching to the people, Predicting the future, giving the people hope.

Period: 739 BCE to 725 BCE

-Main Characters: Isaiah, Two sons. -Content: The book of Isaiah covers many details about the future, the prophecy of Jesus, and calling Israel to repentance. This book's main genre is narrative, with Prophecy written throughout. The book mainly discusses what God has in store, calling out sinful Israelites, and praises faithful followers. Themes of obedience to God and hope for the future are woven throughout the book.

Micah- Prophecy of Judgement, Prophecy of Restoration, Prophecy of Messiah.

Period: 735 BCE to 735 BCE

-Main Characters: Micah, false prophets. -Content: The book of Micah is a prophetic book within the bible. The book discusses the lack of morality within Israel, calling out the leaders of Israel for their lacking, and speaking of a future where the people shall be restored. This book has themes of judgement and restoration within.

Nahum- Several Prophecies, God's Judgement for Assyria.

Period: 697 BCE to 697 BCE

-Main Characters: Nahum, people of Assyria. -Content: The genre of this book is prophecy. It discusses Assyria horrible morals, the impending punishment for these bad morals, and God's justice for the nations. The book has themes of God's power and punishment written throughout.

Judith- Makes plan, seduces enemy leader, beheads him.

Period: 650 BCE to 650 BCE

-Main Characters: Judith, Holofernes, Israelites. -Content: The book of Judith was written as a narrative. It contains Judith's plot to infiltrate the enemy camp and save her people, her acting on this plan and seducing Holofernes, then beheading him and returning to her people triumphant. This book has faithful and courageous themes throughout.

Zephaniah- Day of Judgement prophecies, Warnings, Restoration Promise.

Period: 638 BCE to 638 BCE

-Main Characters: Zephaniah, people of Judah. -Content: The book of Zephaniah is a book of prophecy. It contains a prophecy describing the day of the Lord, warnings for Judah and surrounding nations, and a reminder to be faithful and pursue God. The book has general themes of Justice and Rewarding faithfulness throughout.

Jeremiah- Preach to the people, gives prophecies, speaks on covenantal promise.

Period: 626 BCE to 586 BCE

-Main Characters: Judah, Baruch, Ebdemelech, King Nebuchadnezzar. -Content: The book of Jeremiah covers the many sins of God's people and gives warning to them. This book's main genre is prophecy, going hand in hand with narrative. The book mainly discusses what how the people have wronged God, what the future holds for sinners, and God's creation of another covenant. Themes of punishment for sin and repentance are woven throughout the book.

Habakkuk- Habakkuk speaks with God, God's response.

Period: 625 BCE to 625 BCE

-Main Characters: Habakkuk, God. -Content: The book of Habakkuk is a prophetic book. It talks of Habakkuk doubting and questioning God, God quieting his doubts and confirming his authority, and Habakkuk then trusting God and his all-powerful judgement. The book has themes of trust and God's power written throughout.

Daniel- Exile to Babylon, Dream Interpretation, Lion's Den, Visions

Period: 605 BCE to 539 BCE

-Main Characters: Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego. -Content: The genre of this book is a mix of narrative and prophecy. It discusses Daniel's captivity, he and his group's faithfulness to God, and visions with Daniel predicting them. Themes of prophecy and redemption are woven throughout.

Ezekiel- Proclaim Judgement on Judah, Babylonian Rule, God Delivering Messages.

Period: 593 BCE to 573 BCE

-Main Characters: Ezekiel, Ezekiel’s wife, King Nebuchadnezzar. -Content: The book of Ezekiel tells how God picked Ezekiel to tell the nation of their sin. This book's main genre is narrative, but with elements of prophecy, and apocalypse throughout. The book mainly discusses the sinful nature of Israel, and asks them to come to repentance. Themes of consequences and rules are woven throughout the book.

Lamentations- Fall of Jerusalem, Post-Fall Events.

Period: 586 BCE to 586 BCE

-Main Characters: Jeremiah -Content: The book of Jeremiah was written as a collection of poetry. It discusses the destruction of Jerusalem, the state of Jerusalem's people, and the emotional condition of Jeremiah- the author of these poems. The book contains a very sad and thoughtful theme consistently throughout the book.

Lamentations- Remembering the destruction of Jerusalem, moving to a foreign land.

Period: 586 BCE to 586 BCE

-Main Characters: Jeremiah, God's people. -Content: The book of Lamentations is a sad reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem and the consequences resulting. This book's main genre is song/poetry, and it is quite emotional and sad. The book mainly the fall of Jerusalem and the emotions of God's people. Themes of God's punishment and consequences are woven throughout the book.

Haggai- Rebuilding the Temple, God's promise.

Period: 520 BCE to 520 BCE

-Main Characters: Haggai, temple builders. -Content: The book of Haggai is a book of prophecy. This book talks of the rebuilding process of the temple, honoring and glorifying God, and getting blessing for the peoples hard work and faithfulness to the Lord. The book contains themes of Obedience and Blessings.

Zechariah- Visions, Rebuilding the Temple, Prophecies.

Period: 520 BCE to 520 BCE

-Main Characters: Zechariah, temple builders. -Content: The book is a book of prophecy. It discusses several of God's messages to rebuild the temple, visions that encourage the workers and warn of disobedience, and discussion over the future of God's kingdom. This book has themes of Restoration and divine teachings throughout.

Esther- Vashti is Banished, Esther becomes Queen, The Banquet, Haman's Death.

Period: 483 BCE to 472 BCE

-Main Characters: Esther, Haman, Mordecai, King Xerxes. -Content: The genre of the book of Esther is a narrative, retelling a historical account of Queen Esther's rise. The book contains the search for a new queen, Esther becoming queen, and Haman's attempt to get her out of power. The book outlines how the Jews escaped destruction from the evil Haman. The books has themes of courage and retribution towards the end.

Luke- Birth of Jesus, Jesus's Teachings, Betrayal of Jesus.

Period: 6 BCE to 30

-Main Characters: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, Disciples. -Content: This book was written as a historical biography for Jesus Christ. It contains the upbringing of Jesus, a focus on Jesus's compassion for the less fortunate, and Jesus's death and resurrection as song of God. This book has themes of salvation and faithfulness written within.

Matthew- Jesus's birth, Jesus's baptism, Last Supper.

Period: 5 BCE to 30

-Main Characters: Jesus, Disciples, Mary, Joseph. -Content: This book was written over a long period of time and is a historical biography of Jesus. It contains the start of Jesus's life, his growing up to fill the role of messiah, and his eventual death and resurrection as the son of God. This book has themes of perseverance and rewarding faithfulness throughout.

Mark- Jesus's Baptism, Jesus's Teachings, Last Supper.

Period: 5 BCE to 30

-Main Characters: Jesus, Disciples, John the Baptist. -Content: This book was written as a historical biography. It contains a focused look on Jesus's teachings, Jesus's growth as a teacher and the messiah over time, and depictions of Jesus's suffering for humanity. This book has themes of servanthood and faith woven within.