Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus... Trivia Quiz

The first five books of the Bible, here listed in the quiz title plus Numbers and Deuteronomy, comprise the Books of Moses (also called the Torah and/or the Pentateuch). In them are to be found many of the Bible stories remembered from childhood, such as Adam and Eve in the Garden; Moses in the Bulrushes and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments.

By the end of Deuteronomy the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land has been completed. Joshua presents a chronicle of campaigns in Canaan that follow.

Judges introduces a number of leaders who are sent to judge Israel, which has fallen into some sinful ways. Ruth is one of only two books of the Bible named for a woman. The titular Ruth is the daughter-in-law of Naomi, and the book tells of their relationship and struggles. 1 Samuel leads into the era of the kings of Israel, after God's chosen leader (Samuel, a judge) has been rejected.

These books cover the reigns of King David and King Solomon, as well as the split that occurs when the latter's son Rehoboam ascends to the throne. Eventually, Israel and Judah are overrun by invaders and the kings forced into exile.

The two Chronicles are recaps of the reigns of David and Solomon, written to encourage people returning from exile in Babylon. Ezra tells of the Israelites return from exile, fulfilling a promise of God.

Nehemiah speaks of his return from exile to Jerusalem. Esther, the second of the two books named for a woman, tells of her tribulations during the time of exile, and how she sought to save the Jewish people from genocide. Job is a poetic tale, taking place some time earlier, of a just man who suffers many hardships but never loses his faith.

Psalms are described as poetry, and many people will be familiar with the 23rd Psalm, that begins "The Lord is my shepherd...". Both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are described as 'wisdom literature', the first containing divine wisdom from God, and the latter Solomon's analysis of life, and the importance of God to all things.

The first of these three is also known as Song of Solomon and Song of Songs, and is a poetic tale of married love. The books of Isaiah and Jeremiah are both categorised as prophecy, with Isaiah being the first of the major prophets, warning of the coming judgment of God.

Lamentations, written by the 'weeping' prophet, Jeremiah, is full of sadness, as it recalls the destruction of Jerusalem and other misfortunes. Ezekiel and Daniel are both prophets, who preach to the exiles and captives in Babylon.

These three are minor prophets, who warn the people to repent their sins, and speak of God's love for them despite their shortcomings. Amos is a shepherd, who preaches to the people in the northern region who have shown an indifference to God.

Obadiah is very brief, and continues the message of judgment to come. Jonah spends some time in the belly of a great fish, having been reluctant to preach in Nineveh. Micah also warns of judgment and exile to come, and clearly points to the coming of a Messiah.

These three are also prophets who warn of the coming judgement. Nahum is sent to Nineveh, while Habakkuk complains of wickedness and Zephaniah warns of the fall of Judah.

These final three books of the Old Testament/Bible are written after the exile in Babylon, to encourage the people to rebuild the temple and return to God. Malachi speaks of God's love for the people even though they disobey him.