The answer is: 39

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

That’s right! In the Old Testament, you'll find 39 books that tell a compelling narrative of creation, covenant, law, history, poetry, and prophecy. Let’s take a fun stroll through some highlights!

Starting with Genesis, we kick off the story of the world with Adam and Eve and journey through the monumental founding figures like Noah and Abraham. Did you know that Gen 2 is the first real mention of “Sabbath” with the creation rest? Also, there are loads of wordplays and Hebrew nuances that make these ancient stories deeply layered!

In Exodus, we meet Moses, which means “taken from the water,” showcasing a fascinating connection to his early life story. His journey promising freedom for Israel is a theme echoed throughout history—for example, in stories of escape from tyranny. As you wrestle your way through Leviticus to Deuteronomy, you can dive into laws and societal ideals that shaped communities for generations.

Historical books like Joshua, 1 & 2 Samuel paint a vivid picture of Israel’s tumultuous rise to nationhood, showing the very human flaws of kings, yet their frantic pursuits for connection with the divine. And Psalms? Oh boy! They’re wisdom-packed poems, and there are over 150, inviting prayers for anything from sorrow to soaring joy!

These 39 bastions of wisdom crafted the frameworks for what we consider moral, divine, and relational insight today. What a marvelous playground for exploring humanity’s relationship with the divine!