Genesis is the foundational book of the Bible, revealing the origins of the universe, humanity, sin, and God's redemptive plan. It begins with the majestic account of creation and traces the lineage from Adam to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Key theological themes include divine sovereignty, the image of God, covenant promises, and the unfolding story of salvation. Genesis also provides the ancestral roots of Israel and is central to Christian and Jewish identity.

Author: Moses – Prophet and Lawgiver of Israel

Moses is traditionally recognized as the author of Genesis. Though the events in Genesis occurred long before his life, Moses is believed to have compiled and recorded the oral and written traditions of Israel under divine inspiration. As a prophet, deliverer, and teacher, Moses shaped the theological framework of Israel through this origin narrative, laying the groundwork for the Law and the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Time Period:
Biblical: Written ~1445–1405 BC, covering creation to ~1800 BC
Scholarly: Some modern scholars date sources of Genesis (e.g., J/E/P traditions) between 1000–500 BC, though this is debated.

Exodus details God's powerful deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage and His formation of a covenant community through the Law given at Sinai. It features the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Ten Commandments, laying the foundation of Israel's national identity. This book is vital for understanding God's justice, mercy, presence, and the concept of redemption.

Author: Moses – Prophet and Deliverer of Israel
Moses, as the central figure in the events of Exodus, is traditionally understood to be the book’s author. His firsthand experience with Pharaoh, the miracles of deliverance, and the reception of the Law at Sinai uniquely position him to document this pivotal moment in Israel’s history. The text reflects Moses’s intimate relationship with God and his role as mediator of the covenant.

Time Period:
Biblical: Written ~1445–1405 BC, covering ~1500–1400 BC
Scholarly: Some date the Exodus narrative's composition between 1300–600 BC, with debate over the historicity and dating of the actual Exodus event.

Leviticus focuses on the holiness of God and the requirements for Israel to live in covenant relationship with Him. It outlines the priestly laws, sacrificial system, and purity codes, emphasizing moral and ritual holiness. Central themes include atonement, priesthood, and sacred worship. Though complex, Leviticus reveals God’s desire for a holy people and points forward to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

Author: Moses – Prophet and High Priest of Instruction
Moses is traditionally credited with writing Leviticus as part of his leadership duties over Israel. The detailed instructions for priests and sacrifices were given to Moses directly by God (Leviticus 1:1). As the covenant mediator, Moses ensured these laws were preserved to maintain Israel’s purity and relationship with a holy God.

Time Period:
Biblical: Written during the Israelites’ stay at Mount Sinai (~1445 BC)
Scholarly: Composition dated between 10th–5th century BC by critical scholars; however, traditional views place authorship during Moses’ leadership.

The Book of Numbers documents Israel’s pivotal journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land, revealing both divine faithfulness and human failure. It opens with a national census (Numbers 1:2–3) and details the organization of the twelve tribes, their encampment, and marching orders. As the Israelites journey through the wilderness, they encounter divine provision, military challenges, internal rebellion, and repeated testing of faith. Highlights include the twelve spies’ report (Numbers 13–14), the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8–9), and Balaam’s prophecies (Numbers 22–24). Numbers ultimately prepares a new generation to inherit God’s promise and underscores the importance of covenant obedience, leadership, and trust in God.

Author:
Moses – Prophet, Lawgiver, and National Leader
Moses is traditionally recognized as the inspired author of Numbers. As Israel’s chief prophet and leader during the wilderness period, Moses recorded divine revelations, military orders, civil laws, and Israel’s tumultuous journey. His unique access to God (cf. Numbers 12:6–8) and role as mediator make him the natural source for this detailed narrative. Numbers reflects both his prophetic insight and administrative leadership.

Time Period:

• Biblical: Composed around 1445–1405 BC, during Israel’s wilderness wanderings after the Exodus and before entering Canaan.

• Scholarly: While some modern scholars posit multiple sources compiled between the 9th–6th centuries BC, conservative evangelical tradition strongly affirms Mosaic authorship based on internal claims and historical continuity.

Deuteronomy serves as Moses’ final address to the Israelites before his death and their crossing into the Promised Land. Structured as a series of sermons, the book revisits Israel’s covenant history, restates the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5), and urges wholehearted obedience to God. Central to the book is the call to covenant faithfulness: “Choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Deuteronomy emphasizes the love of God, the importance of teaching future generations, and the consequences of obedience or rebellion. It also contains messianic foreshadowing, such as the promise of a future prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). As the theological capstone of the Torah, it profoundly shapes Jewish identity, law, and Christian ethics.

Author: Moses – Prophet, Lawgiver, and Covenant Mediator
Moses is traditionally affirmed as the author of Deuteronomy, delivering its content during the final days of his life. The book reflects his pastoral urgency, prophetic authority, and deep concern for Israel’s future. While the closing narrative about Moses’ death (Deuteronomy 34) was likely appended by Joshua, the core content bears the unmistakable voice of Moses as shepherd, teacher, and mediator of God’s covenant.

Time Period:

• Biblical: Composed around 1405 BC, east of the Jordan River, just before Israel entered Canaan.

• Scholarly: Some critical scholars suggest final editorial shaping between the 8th–6th centuries BC, often associating it with the Deuteronomic reform under King Josiah (2 Kings 22–23). However, traditional theology maintains Mosaic authorship based on historical continuity, internal claims, and theological coherence.

Joshua recounts the conquest and settlement of Canaan under Israel's new leader, Joshua. Following Moses’ death, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River, captures key cities like Jericho, and divides the land among the twelve tribes. This book emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises, the necessity of obedience, and the theme of divine victory through faith.

Author: Joshua – Military Leader and Successor to Moses
Traditionally attributed to Joshua himself, this book is understood to be a first-person historical account, with possible additions by later scribes. As Moses’ appointed successor, Joshua documented Israel’s campaigns, covenant renewal ceremonies, and tribal allocations, serving both as commander and spiritual leader of the people.

Time Period:
Biblical: Written ~1400–1370 BC; covers ~1406–1375 BC
Scholarly: Some suggest later compilation between 10th–7th century BC, though internal evidence supports an early authorship closely following the events.

Judges depicts a turbulent era between Joshua’s leadership and the rise of kings in Israel. The nation repeatedly falls into sin, faces oppression, and is delivered by leaders called “judges” — such as Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. The book’s cycle of rebellion, judgment, and grace underscores the consequences of moral relativism and the need for righteous leadership.

Author: Samuel – Prophet and Judge of Israel
While the book is anonymous, Jewish and Christian tradition attribute its authorship to Samuel. As the final judge and a prophetic reformer, Samuel likely compiled Israel’s early tribal history to prepare the way for the monarchy and underscore the theological chaos of that era.

Time Period:
Biblical: Events span ~1375–1050 BC; written ~1050–1000 BC
Scholarly: Some date final compilation in the early monarchic period (~10th–7th century BC), but internal coherence supports Samuelic authorship.

Ruth is a short but profound narrative about loyalty, providence, and redemption. Set during the chaotic time of the judges, it tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow who pledges faithfulness to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth’s faith and humility lead to her marriage to Boaz, making her an ancestor of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. It’s a portrait of God's grace crossing ethnic and social lines.

Author: Samuel – Prophet and Historian
Tradition holds that Samuel wrote Ruth, possibly as an appendix to Judges. Its genealogy ties directly to David, offering a redemptive contrast to the moral decline seen in Judges. Samuel likely included this book to highlight God’s providence and the legitimacy of David’s lineage.

Time Period:
Biblical: Events occur ~1100 BC; written ~1050–1000 BC
Scholarly: Scholars estimate composition between 10th–6th century BC, depending on dating of Davidic dynasty editing.

1 Samuel marks the transition from the era of judges to the monarchy in Israel. It introduces key figures: Samuel the prophet, Saul the first king, and David the rising shepherd-warrior. Themes include leadership, obedience vs. rebellion, the anointing of kings, and God's sovereignty in national affairs. The book sets the foundation for messianic expectations through David's early story.

Author: Samuel – Prophet and Last Judge of Israel (with additions by Gad/Nathan)
Samuel is traditionally credited with authoring the first portion of this book, chronicling the political and spiritual evolution of Israel. After his death, the prophets Gad and Nathan are believed to have continued the narrative. This prophetic authorship ensures theological depth and historical continuity.

Time Period:
Biblical: Covers ~1100–1010 BC; compiled ~1000–970 BC
Scholarly: Some suggest compilation during David's reign (10th century BC), with final edits possibly during Solomon’s era.

2 Samuel traces the reign of King David — his triumphs, failures, and God’s enduring covenant. It covers his consolidation of power, the unification of Israel, the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7), and his moral fall with Bathsheba. Despite personal flaws, David is portrayed as “a man after God’s own heart,” foreshadowing the coming Messiah.

Author: Nathan and Gad – Court Prophets during David’s Reign
Although originally part of the same scroll as 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to the prophets Nathan and Gad. They were eyewitnesses to David’s reign and spiritual advisors within his court, providing theological insight and moral commentary throughout the narrative.

Time Period:
Biblical: Covers ~1010–970 BC; written shortly thereafter
Scholarly: Scholars place composition between 10th–8th century BC, with some later Deuteronomistic editing during the exile period.

1 Kings begins with the reign of Solomon and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, but quickly turns to a divided kingdom after his death. The book traces the moral and political decline of both Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom), highlighting the ministries of prophets like Elijah. Key themes include covenant loyalty, idolatry, leadership failure, and divine judgment.

Author: Jeremiah – Prophet and Chronicler of Israel’s Fall
Though the book is anonymous, Jewish tradition attributes it to the prophet Jeremiah. As a witness to Judah’s final days, Jeremiah is thought to have compiled earlier royal records and prophetic writings. His insight offers theological interpretation alongside historical detail, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and Israel’s repeated covenant breach.

Time Period:
Biblical: Covers ~970–850 BC; compiled during or after the Babylonian exile (~586–550 BC)
Scholarly: Often linked to the Deuteronomistic historians, with sources possibly dating from the 7th–6th century BC.

2 Kings continues the narrative of both Israel and Judah, documenting the fall of both kingdoms — Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon. It includes the ministries of prophets like Elisha and highlights the consequences of national disobedience. The book underscores God’s patience and ultimate justice while maintaining the hope of restoration through prophetic voices.

Author: Jeremiah – Prophet and Witness to Judah’s Collapse
Tradition maintains that Jeremiah authored 2 Kings as well, extending the themes introduced in 1 Kings. With prophetic authority and firsthand perspective, Jeremiah emphasizes the spiritual reasons behind Israel’s national demise, warning future generations to heed God's covenant.

Time Period:
Biblical: Covers ~850–586 BC; written shortly after Judah’s fall (~550 BC)
Scholarly: Composed using temple records, royal annals, and prophetic sources by exilic editors aligned with Deuteronomistic theology.