This book covers Ruth, Amos, Jonah, Hosea, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel, Joel, Lamentations, Haggai, Zechariah, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi.

Writer’s Note

           When studying the old testament, it can sometimes be difficult to understand (1) who is speaking, (2) who is being spoken to, (3) the time period the speaker is speaking, and (4) the content of the message being spoken.

           This book contains a summary of the verses from each chapter to help the bible student understand “the main thrust” of what we are reading about. It is in no way meant to be an extensive commentary, but rather a study aid to help reveal the simplicity of the scriptures.

When reading the new testament, there are quotations found that give certain old testament scriptures a “double fulfillment” (Ex: Matthew 2:15->Hosea 11:1, etc.). This book is meant to be a straight forward and simple summarization that deals with relevance to the original audience, therefore it is not filled with explanations as to why the new testament quotes from certain passages.

The dates for each book are estimates for the events contained within the book (the “activity” of the prophet). At the beginning of each book, you will notice a timeline placing each book in its correct timeframe, helping the reader understand the place that each book serves in the history of Israel.

When studying the old testament, one must remember four main characters (Samaria, Assyria, Judah, and Babylon). Israel at one time was one kingdom made up of 12 tribes, but not soon after, their kingdom became divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom (called Israel – whose capitol city was Samaria) and the southern kingdom (called Judah – whose capitol city was Jerusalem).

The northern kingdom (called Israel – whose capitol city was Samaria) was taken away into captivity by the nation of Assyria, whereas the southern kingdom (called Judah – whose capitol city was Jerusalem) was taken away into captivity by the nation of Babylon. Much of the old testament messages were warnings to the northern kingdom Israel and southern kingdom Judah that if they didn’t repent, they would go into captivity (which they eventually went into due to their disobedience).