An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.
_Historical._ Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. _Poetical._ Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. _Prophetical._ Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The _historical_ books of the Old Testament give an account of the creation of the world and of man, of the entrance of sin and death, of God's covenant with Israel to save them, and of the history of Israel as God's chosen people. The _poetical_ books give the teachings of the Old Testament covenant in prayers, proverbs and hymns. The _prophetical_ books contain many instructions, admonitions and prophecies (especially concerning Christ who should come to save men) which God sent to the Israelites through the prophets. The first four prophets are called the Major Prophets; and the last twelve, the Minor Prophets.
Ideas discussed in this chapter
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.