It's better to call it the First Testament
"Old" tends to make us think of something no longer of importance, or worn out.
This part of the Bible contains 39 texts ("books" and deals mainly with the relationship that God has with the nation of Israel.
The First Testament has five sections:
the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy)
Quick question: why is this section called the Pentateuch?
The word Pentateuch comes from two Greek words that mean "five books" or "five scrolls".
the Historical Books (Joshua through Esther),
Quick question: why are these 12 books called the Historical Books? What type of history are we looking at?
This section deals with the history of Israel after they crossed the Jordan River and headed to the land God promised them (also known as the Promised Land, or "Canaan.") Joshua, Judges, and Ruth tell the earliest history of the Jews; 1 and 2 Samuel with 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles cover about five hundred years reporting the fall of Judah to Babylon. Then Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther tell about Israel's captivity, release, and the restoration of the holy city of Jerusalem.
Wait, one more question. Why did they call it Canaan?
We don't know the precise introduction of the word from history. It could have been an ancient phrase that meant “reddish purple,” because of a burgundy-color (rich purple or crimson) dye made in the area or to the wool that was dyed in this gorgeous color.
There is Bible history of the name, as the book of Genesis reveals a man named Canaan who was the grandson of Noah himself.
the poetic books (Job through Song of Solomon),
the Major Prophets (Isaiah through Daniel),
and the Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi).
the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy)
Quick question: why is this section called the Pentateuch?
The word Pentateuch comes from two Greek words that mean "five books" or "five scrolls".
the Historical Books (Joshua through Esther),
Quick question: why are these 12 books called the Historical Books? What type of history are we looking at?
This section deals with the history of Israel after they crossed the Jordan River and headed to the land God promised them (also known as the Promised Land, or "Canaan.") Joshua, Judges, and Ruth tell the earliest history of the Jews; 1 and 2 Samuel with 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles cover about five hundred years reporting the fall of Judah to Babylon. Then Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther tell about Israel's captivity, release, and the restoration of the holy city of Jerusalem.
Wait, one more question. Why did they call it Canaan?
We don't know the precise introduction of the word from history. It could have been an ancient phrase that meant “reddish purple,” because of a burgundy-color (rich purple or crimson) dye made in the area or to the wool that was dyed in this gorgeous color.
There is Bible history of the name, as the book of Genesis reveals a man named Canaan who was the grandson of Noah himself.
the poetic books (Job through Song of Solomon),
the Major Prophets (Isaiah through Daniel),
and the Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi).
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