A few days ago I shared with you my list of favorite Old Testament books. In a few days I’ll tell you about my New Testament favorites, but in the meantime I wanted to talk about my Old Testament Honorable Mentions. I love every book in the Bible in some way, but of course some stand out to me. These are the ones that stand out, but not quite as far out.
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Exodus ~ The saga of Moses and the Israelites and the sequel to Genesis, Exodus is the home of the Ten Commandments and the Ten Plagues. It’s also the reason that Raiders of the Lost Ark exists… My favorite takeaway from Exodus? The promise inherent in the columns of cloud and fire. God never sends us anywhere without guiding us.
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Deuteronomy ~ This book stands out to me for primarily one reason: chapter 32. Many years ago I memorized Moses’ song to the Lord, and though I can no longer recite it to you, it still has a very special place in my heart. Please also don’t miss chapter 30, one of the most inspirational and comforting chapters in Scripture.
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Samuel ~ I very nearly included these books on my faves list. I’m not sure why they didn’t make the cut, but they were only a step behind. These books are meaty and rich with tales of compelling men of God, like Samuel, Saul, David and Jonathan… you’ll see yourselves in each one of these men. They are the stars, but the co-stars are worthy of our attention, too: Hannah, Eli, Abigail and her husband the fool… Michal, Nathan, Mephibosheth, Bathsheba, and Absalom, Absalom. And of course those famous Philistines. Action, drama, romance and comedy – the books of Samuel have it.
The most famous Bible story that non-Bible readers know? David and Goliath. But how well do you know it? Do you think Goliath died when David hit him with a stone from his slingshot? Nope. Think David’s king was grateful to him for slaying the giant? Nope. Great story.
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Ezra ~ This book is the prequel to Nehemiah. Some scholars believe it used to be all one book. Regardless, you’ll get to know Ezra here and then you’ll appreciate him more in Nehemiah.
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Job ~ This book can be very hard to read, but it’s totally worth it and you’ll be stronger for it. Allow your soul to soar as you read chapters 38-41. God speaks and puts all of us in our places. And we need that.
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Isaiah and Jeremiah didn’t quite make the cut of favorite books, but the men ~ Isaiah and Jeremiah ~ are definitely at the top of the list of my bible heroes. Strong, faithful, poetic and honest. Isaiah is the most quoted prophet of the NT, so you probably know more of his writings than you know. You’ll get to know these two men through their writings and you’ll read some beautiful, majestic, life-changing verses on the way.
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Daniel ~ You already know the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace. But do you know about Daniel’s vegetarian diet? Do you know that the phrase “writing on the wall” is from Daniel? And that’s just the first half of Daniel. The rest is prophecy and vision that will leave you mystified, fascinated and anticipating.
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Hosea ~ Nowhere is God’s love for us ~ and our unworthiness ~ better symbolized. When you read it, keep in mind that you’re Gomer. At least symbolically.
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Stay tuned for the New Testament!
Light Expectations 