Books of the OT
These books are the "Law".
The books from Genesis through Deuteronomy are often referred to as “the law.” Because Moses wrote them, they are sometimes called the Pentateuch or “five books of Moses.” Genesis begins with the Creation of the world and Adam and Eve, and Deuteronomy concludes with the end of Moses’s life. These five books describe covenants God made with the ancient Israelites and the commandments these people needed to live to fulfill their part of the covenant.
Beginning: Jesus Christ creates the world and Adam and Eve. Early stories focus on disobedience, judgment and mercy (like Noah and the flood). Name at least one location / place where this part of the OT takes place.
Garden of Eden
Early ancient Near East
Isaiah 9:6-7
Jesus Christ will be born on earth / he will gain a physical body
Blood (Leviticus 1-6)
The sacrificial animal's blood anticipates the Atonement of Christ
These books are the "History".
The books from Joshua through Esther continue to relate the history of the children of Israel for more than 600 years after Moses. These books are commonly called “the history.” They are generally placed in chronological order; however, 1–2 Chronicles are essentially another writer’s version of the same history found in 1–2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings.
Patriarchs: God chooses Abraham, promising land, descendants and blessings (Abrahamic covenant). His family - Isaac, Jacob and Joseph - form the foundation of Israel. Name one of the key places where these stories occur.
Egypt
Canaan
Hosea 13:14
Jesus Christ will break the bands of death / allow us to be resurrected
Brazen serpent (Numbers 21:6-9)
An object lesson that pertained to the lifting up of Christ on the cross
These books are the "Poetry".
The books from Job through Ecclesiastes are filled with teachings and revelations that are written in poetic form; thus, this section is known as “the poetry.” The Song of Solomon is also contained in the poetry section; however, according to the Prophet Joseph Smith, it is not an inspired book (see Bible Dictionary, “Song of Solomon”). The book of Psalms contains the words to various pieces of sacred music.
Exodus and the Law: God frees Israel from slavery through Moses and gives them the Law. Israel journeys to the Promised Land.
Name the place that Israel was freed from or the place where the Law was given.
Egypt (freed from)
Mount Sinai (law)
Genesis 49:24
Christ will be a shepherd
Fountain of water / water (Numbers 20:7-11, Jeremiah 2:13)
Jesus Christ is the living water
These books are the "Prophets".
The books from Isaiah through Malachi contain the teachings of prophets whose ministries occurred during or after the time in which kings ruled over the children of Israel. These books are not in historical order. The prophets warned the children of Israel of their sins and testified of the blessings that come because of obedience to the Lord’s commandments. They prophesied of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would atone for the sins of those who repent, receive the ordinances of salvation, and keep God’s commandments.
Settlement and Kingdom: Israel settles and is led by judges like Samson. The nation becomes a Kingdom under Saul, David and Solomon and builds a Temple in its capital.
Name the place where Israel settled or the capital of the Israelite kingdom / location of the Temple.
Canaan (settlement)
Jerusalem (capital / temple location)
Isaiah 53:3
Jesus Christ will be rejected
Manna (Exodus 16:11-35)
Christ is the bread of life, true and living bread from heaven
These books are historically / contextually related to the Old Testament but are not published as part of it.
Book of Moses and Book of Abraham (Pearl of Great Price)
The book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price is the Prophet Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of Genesis 1:1–6:13. The book of Moses adds greater insight to our understanding of the Creation, the Fall of Adam and Eve, the doctrine of the Atonement, and events in the ministries of Enoch and Noah.
Also included in the Pearl of Great Price is the book of Abraham. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the book of Abraham is an inspired translation of some of the writings of Abraham, which he had recorded on papyrus (see the introduction to the book of Abraham). The book of Abraham gives us more information about his early life and describes the visions he saw of the premortal life, the Council in Heaven, and the planning of the Creation.
Division, exile and hope:
The kingdom splits into Israel (north) and Judah (south). Prophets like Isaiah call the people back to God. Israel and Judah are fall to these two nations.
Assyria (Israel)
Babylon (Judah)
Isaiah 53:6
Eagle (Deuteronomy 32:10-12)
The eagle represents the Lord's power to protect his people