The answer is: 39

Genesis (1)... Exodus (2).... keep going....!

The Old Testament is often revered for its rich tapestry of narratives, laws, poetry, and prophecies, and it comprises 39 books in Protestant tradition. From the vibrant beginnings in Genesis, we journey through Exodus, where we witness the dramatic story of the Israelites' liberation. If you kept counting, you'd eventually finish at Malachi, ushering in a wealth of stories that profoundly shaped history and culture.

Fun fact: Many of the books were once considered scrolls and were also classified under Hebrew divisions: the Torah (the five books of Moses), the Prophets, and the Writings. For instance, while we see 39 individual books, the Hebrew Bible organizes them into just 24 scrolls — this means certain books share a scroll!

Moreover, did you know that the shortest book in the Old Testament is Obadiah? It packs a powerful punch in only 1 chapter, serving as a prophecy against Edom, literally adding our trivia, stark reminder of the consequences of pride.

People often echo the wisdom in books like Proverbs all over to this day! “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” may not come directly from Solomon, but wisdom certainly takes its root from Quotation Generation coming straight from biblical times. So, as you dive in to read these ancient grapplings with morality, history, and longing, remember: each scroll contains not just a religious narrative but a pioneering blueprint to human experience! Happy reading!