1. The Pentateuch = 5 part writing The Pentateuch = 5 part writing The Torah, The Law and the Book of Moses Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible, containing the The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible, containing the beginning of the Hebrews Salvation History. beginning of the Hebrews Salvation History. Compiled: 1225 BCE by 4 main authors. Compiled: 1225 BCE by 4 main authors. Lessons - God loves the human race and wants to Lessons - God loves the human race and wants to be in relationship with us. be in relationship with us. - God is “Adonai”. God is Creator, God - God is “Adonai”. God is Creator, God Provides and Forgives Provides and Forgives Creation narratives Contains the Creation narratives, the stories of the ExodusNoah and the Ark Exodus and Noah and the Ark.

2. THE HISTORICAL BOOKS Joshua – 2Maccabees  Teach about what historical events mean viewed from a faith perspective.  Teach our sacred history, revealing God’s message to us and the purpose for our lives. Compiled – 1250-161 BCE by 2 groups of authors. Compiled – 1250-161 BCE by 2 groups of authors. Lessons – God is involved with and cares about Lessons – God is involved with and cares about human experience. human experience. - People are happiest when they follow God’s laws. - People are happiest when they follow God’s laws. - All humans search for the meaning of life. - All humans search for the meaning of life. David and Goliath Hanukkah. Contains the stories of David and Goliath and Hanukkah.

3. THE WISDOM AND POETRY BOOKS Job – Ecclesiastiucus  Focus on the Hebrews unique perception of wisdom.  Contain much poetic language, all written for the enjoyment of the reader. Compiled – 700-181 BCE by many authors. Compiled – 700-181 BCE by many authors. Lessons – The seach for life’s meaning is good. Lessons – The seach for life’s meaning is good. - Goodness is rewarded and evil punished. - Goodness is rewarded and evil punished. - Life lessons are found in everyday living. - Life lessons are found in everyday living. PsalmsProverbs Contains the Psalms and Proverbs

4. THE PROPHETS Isaiah – Malachi  Prophets were people who challenged the Israelites to remain faithful the Covenant.  They were called by God to give guidance to the POG especially in times of crisis. Compiled – 743-455 BCE by many authors. Compiled – 743-455 BCE by many authors. Lessons – Act justly Lessons – Act justly - Avoid idolatry - Avoid idolatry - Explore God’s never ending love and mercy. - Explore God’s never ending love and mercy. - Promises hope for the future. - Promises hope for the future. Jonah and the Whale Contains the story of Jonah and the Whale.