who wrote the books of the old testament?

The Old Testament contains 39 books, written over a span of about 1,000 years. Its authors include prophets, kings, priests, and scribes — all inspired by the Spirit of God. These writings tell the story of God’s covenant with Israel, pointing forward to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

• Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy – Written by Moses.
   
  • Significance: Foundation of creation, covenant, law, and God’s promise to Israel.
     

• Joshua – Written by Joshua.
   
  • Israel enters the Promised Land; God’s faithfulness in conquest.
     
• Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings – Attributed to Samuel, Nathan, Gad, Jeremiah, and other prophets.
   
  • Show Israel’s cycle of sin, judgment, and God’s mercy; Ruth points to the lineage of Christ.
     
• 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah – Traditionally Ezra.
   
  • Retell Israel’s history with focus on worship and restoration.
     
• Esther – Unknown author (possibly a Persian Jew).
   
  • God’s providence preserves His people.
     

• Job – Unknown, possibly Moses.
   
  • Explores suffering and God’s sovereignty.
     
• Psalms – Mainly David, plus Asaph, sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and others.
   
  • Israel’s songbook of worship, lament, and prophecy.
     
• Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon – Primarily Solomon.
   
  • Teach wisdom, life’s meaning, and God’s design for love.
     

• Isaiah – Prophet Isaiah.
   
  • Messianic prophecies; judgment and hope.
     
• Jeremiah, Lamentations – Prophet Jeremiah.
   
  • Warnings of exile; lament over Jerusalem’s fall.
     
• Ezekiel – Prophet Ezekiel.
   
  • God’s glory, visions, restoration.
     
• Daniel – Prophet Daniel.
   
  • God’s sovereignty in exile; visions of the future.
     

• Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – Written by each prophet.
   
  • Messages of repentance, judgment, and hope; foretell the coming Messiah.
     

• The Law gives God’s covenant foundation.
   
• The History books show God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s failures.
   
• The Wisdom books guide life with God’s truth.
   
• The Prophets call people back to God and point to Christ.
   

All together, the Old Testament prepares the way for the New Testament — with promises fulfilled in Jesus.

The Old Testament is not just ancient history — it’s God’s story of covenant love and redemption. From Moses to the prophets, every author points forward to Christ. When we study it, we see God’s promises unfolding, His holiness revealed, and His faithfulness assured.