Old Testament Books of Law
Historical Books of the Old Testament
Sources of the Pentateuch
100
A book of laws, mostly dealing with religious observances
What is Leviticus?
100
This book describes the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.
What is Joshua?
100
This book was written in the 10th or 9th century BC and uses the name Yahweh for God.
What is the J (Yahwist) source?
200
This book repeats some of the laws in earlier books. It is the "Second Law."
What is Deuteronomy?
200
This books recounts the reign of David from a religious perspective.
What is 1 Chronicles?
200
This source referred to God as Elohim.
What is the E (Elohist) source?
300
This books tells the story of the creation of the world and the beginning of the nation of Israel.
What is Genesis?
300
This book tells the story of King Solomon from a historical perspective.
What is 1 Kings?
300
This source wrote a book which means "Second Law."
What is the D (Deuteronomistic) source?
400
This book recount the Israelites' escape from Egypt.
What is Exodus?
400
This book tells, from an historical perspective, the story of the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah.
What is 2 Kings?
400
This source wrote after the Babylonian Exile and reflected the concerns of the Jerusalem priesthood.
What is the P (Priestly) source?
500
This book contains a census of the tribes of Israel and recounts to story of the Israelites wandering in the desert.
What is Numbers?
500
This book tells of the Jews returning from the Babylonian Exile and tells of the rebuilding of the Temple.
What is Ezra?
500
This source was based in the northern kingdom of Israel in the 9th or 8th century BC.
What is the E (Elohist) source?
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