Summary of the Organization of the Jewish Scriptures
The Jewish Bible, also referred to as the Hebrew Bible or TaNaKh, is structured into three primary divisions:
Torah Alternatively known as the Pentateuch or the “Five Books of Moses,” this segment serves as the cornerstone of all Jewish sacred texts. It narrates the tale of creation, the covenant established between God and Abraham, and the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt.
Neviʾim This division, commonly termed the Prophets, encompasses works like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve “minor prophets.”
Ketuvim Designated as the Writings, this section comprises compositions such as Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and Song of Songs. These writings are often categorized as “wisdom literature” as they tackle universal quandaries rather than exclusively Hebrew-centric issues.
Old Testament Book Divisions in the Jewish Scriptures
The Five Books of Moses (Chumash)
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
The Eight Books of the Prophets (Neviim)
- Joshua
- Judges
- Samuel
- Kings
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Ezekiel
- The Twelve (The minor prophets)
The Eleven Books of the Writings (Kesuvim)
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Job
- Song of Songs
- Ruth
- Lamentations
- Ecclesiastes
- Esther
- Daniel
- Ezra / Nehemiah
- Chronicles
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