Interested in learning more about the Bible?
We send our amazing followers of Jesus Christ, just like you, daily text messages from the Holy Bible.
Will you join them?
How Old Is The Old Testament?
The Old Testament can be said to have existed for thousands of years. Its earliest written form dates as far back as 1400 BCE, during the period of the Hebrew monarchy. At that time, its main source material was oral tradition, typically told and written in Hebrew.
In its classic version, the Old Testament incorporates the written works of different authors and transcribers, spanning centuries of religious and personal perspectives. Scholars believe that much of the original text was composed between 900 – 400 BCE, with the majority of the books being completed by 350 BCE.
The Old Testament encompasses three distinct collections of texts, with the first two collections – the Pentateuch (Torah) and the Historical Books – dating from about 1000 BCE. These collections cover the first five books of the Bible, which are known as the Five Books of Moses.
The Pentateuch is the oldest of the Old Testament works, traditionally attributed to Moses. It recounts many stories from Hebrew history, including the Creation of the World, the Covenant with Abraham and Moses leading Israel out of Egypt.
The Historical Books form a bridge between the Pentateuch and the rest of the Old Testament. These books include the story of the kings of Israel and Judah, including the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BCE. Other Historical Books include Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings.
The third section of the Old Testament is known as the Prophetic Books. This group includes Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel, as well as the Twelve Minor Prophets. These works are believed to have been written between 700 BCE and 400 BCE. The Prophetic Books are full of messages from God that have been preserved by people of faith for thousands of years.
The Old Testament is therefore a vital part of the Bible, having been in written form for nearly three millennia. Its messages of faith, hope, and justice remain relevant even today, and its words provide a timeless guide to living in God’s image. Its ancient stories remain a source of inspiration, offering comfort and guidance to many on their spiritual journey.
Are you inspired by Bible verses? We’ll send you text messages, every day, from the Bible: Sign up for a daily text message, from the Holy Bible
Interested in Bible verses? Learn about similar topics here, like:
What is old testament, What language is the old testament written in, How many chapters are in the old testament, Is proverbs in the old testament, What is the difference between old testament and new testament
