Preface to Volume 3

Following the Law and the Prophets, the third major division of the Old Testament is known as the Writings, or Ketuvim in Hebrew, from the root word katav, meaning 'to write.'

The Writings, beginning with Psalms, comprises twelve books arranged into three parts:

• The wisdom books—Psalms, Proverbs and Job.
• The five scrolls—Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther.
• The historical books—Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah and Chronicles.

Notice that the arrangements and categorization of books are very different in the Hebrew canon compared to that found in the English Bible. For example, the latter grouped Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon along with Psalms, Proverbs and Job under the wisdom or poetical books but the former included only the last three.

The book of Daniel, considered a major prophet in the English Bible, is oddly stashed in the historical books of the Writings instead of the prophetical books in the Prophets collection.* It serves to reveal a disparity in the Jewish and Gentile mindsets —which is not surprising. Perhaps that could possibly explain why many Christians arrive at different interpretations when it comes to reading the prophetical books of the Bible!

Another curious deviation is how the English Bible considers Ezra and Nehemiah as separate books, whereas the Hebrew OT lumped both into one single scroll. The former attributes such division based on authorship; the latter, however, views both as a coherent continuity that recorded the Jews' return from captivity and their restoration.

These few distinctions alone should make it sufficiently clear that we need to read the Old Testament in light of its original cultural background and settings, not according to our modern perception and understanding. Jesus and His disciples were well acquainted with the Hebrew scripture in its organization, and so were the Jewish Christians and New Testament writers that followed years after. Reading the Writings based on the order prescribed by the Jewish scribes may possibly offer a fresh look and better appreciation of the ancient text.

As you embark on this enriching journey of 87 days through the Writings of the Old Testament, may you rediscover the awe and beauty of Hebrew poetry, prose and prophecy, walk with the saints and psalmists of old in their trials and triumphs of faith, and come face to face with the Author Who faithfully preserved His writings for posterity to experience Him in their own generation.

Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:7-8)

* Most of these prophets focused mainly on Israel and Judah, with three peripheral references to two other nations (Assyria and Edom) that directly or indirectly affected God's people. Daniel, however, is basically concerned with Gentile kingdoms in the grand scheme of human history under the time-table of God's sovereign rule.