The Old Testament brings together writings central to Israel’s story and to Christian reading of the Bible. It includes different kinds of writing, so there is more than one good way to begin.
Choose a manageable first encounter
For poetry, try our guide to Psalm 23. For a short narrative, read Ruth 1 and follow the people and their decisions. If you begin with Genesis, move slowly and keep track of the questions you bring.
Let the setting matter
These writings come from worlds different from ours. When a custom, image, or word seems unfamiliar, look into how people of that time understood it. The same word may carry different associations today.
Read with respect
Christian reading of these writings exists alongside Jewish reading, with important differences in interpretation. Notice which perspective a guide is using. This site approaches the Bible from a Christian perspective and aims to make that perspective clear.
Meet the different kinds of writing →
Begin with the first five books
Explore Genesis through Deuteronomy, with reading maps, key ideas, and questions for each book. Meet the Torah’s story and instruction.
Stories of a people’s past
Explore the historical books, with context, reading maps, and questions for each book. Learn how to read historical accounts.
Meet the prophets
Explore the prophetic books, with historical context, explained terms, and questions for reading. Begin with a guide to prophecy.
Poetry and wisdom
Explore six books of poetry and wisdom, with context, reading questions, and links to the biblical text.
Find a book or compare a reading
Browse every book introduction, grouped by collection, with a quick search by name. For questions Christians answer differently, compare the main readings and follow their arguments.
Where Christians read differently
Why do Christian Bibles have different books? The Old Testament is not the same size in every Christian tradition. Most Protestant editions contain 39 books; Catholic editions contain 46, including additional writings and longer Esther and Daniel; Orthodox collections have further variation. The difference concerns how churches recognize Israel’s writings as Scripture through their history and use in Christian life. Knowing which collection an edition follows helps you understand both its contents and its notes. Compare the arguments →
Sources & further reading
A question in the margin is a good place to begin.