Hebrew Name | Translation | Other Renderings | Contents | 1. Torah | Teaching, Instruction | Five Books of Moses Pentateuch Law |
History of humanity from creation of world to death of Moses (before the Israelites' entry to Promised Land) Laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai through Moses |
---|---|---|---|
2. Nevi'im | Prophets | Historical Works ("Early Prophets"): History of Israel from conquest of Promised Land to Beginning of Second Commonwealth Teachings (often in poetry) of "Prophets" |
|
3. Ketuvim | [Sacred] Writings | Hagiographa | Various types, usually later than other sections:
|
Main Events in Biblical HistoryInfluences on subsequent Jewish practice and ideas | |
The Common Origins of Humanity:Adam and Eve; Noah and the Flood
|
|
Promise that Abraham's children
would become a great nation, be enslaved in a foreign land, and be liberated. | Ideas of
|
Exodus from Egypt |
|
Jews believe that every word and letter of the Torah was
communicated literally by God through Moses, the greatest of the prophets.
|
|
Joshua | Possession of the "Promised Land" |
|
|
King Solomon |
|
Era of MonarchyDivine spokespersons who tried to insure the people's observance of the Covenant. Use of threats and consolations. |
Ideals of Prophecy: |
Destruction of First Templeby King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia
|
|
Ezra and Nehemia:The Restoration of Judea |
|