Synopsis of the 66 Books of the Bible

By Rev. Dr. Withel Simpson

In this fast paced world and economy, many people are caught up in the hustle and bustle of the age. Yet despite the demands and the schedules, God’s invitation to us to study is still relevant.
This book facilitates the study of the Word. It gives a summary of the sixty six books of the bible. It motivates the reader as it stimulates the appetite and creates an insatiable desire for the Word of God.
The print is easily read, and although it is compact, its contents can be grasped within a short time. This practical companion will orient you to the sixty six books of the bible, and enable you to gain new insights. It can be used in study groups by young people, adults and new converts and it can be used as a reminder and as an intriguing refresher for the more matured. May it be a blessing to those who will be engaged.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Mar 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781698700182

Rev. Dr. Withel Simpson

The author was grown up in a Christian home, and from childhood has been engaged in church activities on a regular basis. Her love for God in conjunction with the study of the Word enhanced her spiritual growth. She attended teachers’ colleges and majored in Early Childhood Education. This prepared her to teach not only adults, but kindergartners as well. The author has also received training from accredited seminaries and theological schools. Academically, she has moved up the ranks from associate degree, to bachelors, to masters and presently, she has earned a P.H.D. in Divinity. Additionally, she pastors a small but vibrant church which is on the move for God. To Him be the glory, honor and praise.

Book preview

GENESIS

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The book of Genesis was written to all the people of the world for the purpose of explaining the origin of all things. It explains how God created the universe by speaking. God said let there be and whatever was called forth, came into existence.

After everything was created, God formed human beings from the dust of the earth and breathed into them the breath of life. Adam and Eve lived perfectly until Satan introduced sin and caused Paradise to be ruined. He used the serpent to subtly cause them to disobey God. Satan also caused Cain to murder his brother Abel, and due to the increase of sin, God sent a flood.

All forms of life perished in the flood except Noah, his family and the animals who were safe in the ark that God instructed Noah to build. Following this, the earth was repopulated. God chose Abram, the first patriarch of the Israelites. After this, his grandson Jacob had twelve sons who still represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Genesis is a book of beginnings.

• It informs us of the beginning of the universe, the beginning of sin and the beginning of God’s work of restoration.

• God created the universe and all things simply by speaking.

• He spoke and it was so (Genesis 1:6-7, 9, 11, 14-15).

FAVORITE QUOTES

Genesis 4: 9. Then the Lord said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? He said, I do not know, am I my brother’s keeper?

Genesis 28:16. Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, Surely, the Lord is in this place and I did not know it.

Genesis 50:20 Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people as he is doing today.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

You too can speak in faith; call into existence the things that are not as though they were. Sometimes, God works miraculously and instantaneously, and sometimes he works progressively in order to fulfill his will.

EXODUS

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Abraham’s great-grandson Joseph entered Egypt as a slave. God blessed Joseph and used him to be a blessing to the people. He was promoted to second in command. After he died, a new Pharaoh saw the Israelites as a threat and made slavery extremely difficult for them, so the Israelites prayed earnestly.

God heard their prayers, and remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and Moses reluctantly agreed to speak to Pharaoh. Finally, God sent ten plagues on Egypt, the last being the killing of the firstborn in every family except those of the Israelites. God had instructed the Israelites to smear the blood of the slain animal on the door posts of their houses. Consequently, when the death angel saw the blood, he passed over them.

Finally Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. God parted the Red Sea and the Egyptians perished. At Mount Sinai, God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses. During the interim, while Moses was away, the people worshipped a golden calf. This act caused a plague to be brought upon them.

Moses restored order, interceded on their behalf and God intervened. Later, they continued their journey to Canaan, the Promised Land. God led them by a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Egyptian king had died and this affected the status of the children of Israel.

• They were no longer guests, but were slaves in bondage for approximately four hundred years.

• God heard their cries, and used Moses to be their great liberator.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Exodus 3:14a. God said to Moses, I am who I am.

Exodus 15:21. And Miriam sang to them, Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown in the sea.

Exodus 40:34. Then the cloud covered the tent meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

At times it appears as if God delays his response, but due to the fact that God is good all the time, he has a good purpose for the delay. Eventually, in his own time which is never late, he will show himself mighty and strong.

LEVITICUS

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God spoke to Moses and instructed him to inform the people about the ways he desired them to worship him, as the redeemed people of God. Throughout the book, the word holiness and sacrifice are used repeatedly.

The English title Leviticus, from the Septuagint, was based on the name of Levi who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The book describes how that family line, led the Israelites in worship. On the other hand, the family of Aaron, Moses’ brother, was ordained as Israel’s formal priesthood.

Leviticus talks about ceremonial laws, dietary restrictions and purification rites. It also speaks about special times and days for celebration including the Passover, Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and the Sabbath. Leviticus enumerates many blessings for obedience and punishments for disobedience. The book also speaks about laws, promises and warnings.

The burnt offering typifies Christ offering himself to God without spot as he remains obedient, even to death. There are five creatures acceptable for sacrifice;

The bullock or ox, typifies Christ as the patient and enduring servant, Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV).

The sheep or lamb typifies Christ unresisting, self surrender to the death of the cross, Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV).

The goat typifies the sinner. God made him who knew no sin, to be sin for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV).

The turtle dove and pigeon (fourth and fifth) are symbols of mourning and innocence and are associated with poverty. Christ for our sakes became poor, Luke 9:58 (NKJV).

HIGHLIGHTS

• The family line of the Levites led the children of Israel in worship.

• The family or Aaron, the brother of Moses was ordained as Israel’s formal priesthood.

• Leviticus speaks of ceremonial laws, and lists several blessings for obedience and punishment for disobedience.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Leviticus 8:10. And Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein and sanctified them.

Leviticus 19:2b. Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord, your God, am holy.

Leviticus 19:3. Ye shall fear everyman his mother and his father, and keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 27:30. And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy unto the Lord.

Leviticus 27:32b. Whatsoever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Prior to the death of Jesus; offerings, usually animal types had to be made for sin. Now that Christ paid the price for our sins; we give ourselves as offerings including all that we have. Additionally, we give the fruit of our lips; adoration, praises and thanksgiving.

NUMBERS

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Numbers derives its name from the two numberings of the Israelites in chapters one and twenty six, therefore the book, as it is named, begins with a census. The older Israelites were faithless and disobedient, so God decreed that they would die in the wilderness, leaving the Promised Land’ to a new generation that was more obedient. Even Moses missed entering the Promised Land" which was a punishment for disobeying God. It occurred when the children of Israel needed water, God told him to speak to the rock, but he struck it instead (Numbers 20:1-13 (NKJV).

The book is divided into four major sections:

• Preparation for departure from Sinai: Numbers 1:1-10:10 (NKJV).

• The prophecies of Balaam: chapter22:1-25:18 (NKJV).

• Instructions and preparations for entering the Promised Land: Chapter26:1-36 (NKJV).

The first part of Numbers concludes the record of their experiences at Sinai. The major part recounts the years of wandering from the time they departed from Sinai, until, as a new generation, they reached the Jordan River.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Caleb had another spirit with him, and he followed God fully.

• Do not be afraid of the faces or the external circumstances.

• Pray, plan, have faith as you trust God, and implement your plans.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Numbers 6:18. Then the Nazarites shall shave the consecrated head at the entrance of the tent meeting, and shall take the hair of the consecrated head