Complete Guide to Old Testament Reading Plans
By Bible Plan Generator Team
For many, the Old Testament can feel like a vast and intimidating territory. With its 39 books, ancient laws, detailed histories, and complex prophecies, it’s easy to feel lost before you even begin. Yet, this rich collection of Scripture is the very foundation upon which the entire story of our faith is built. It’s the Bible that Jesus read, quoted, and fulfilled.
Embarking on a journey through the Old Testament doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a good map—a structured reading plan—you can navigate its diverse landscape with confidence and discover the incredible treasures it holds. This guide will provide you with the tools and strategies you need to successfully explore the Hebrew Scriptures.
Why You Should Read the Old Testament
Before diving into a plan, it’s helpful to remember why this journey is so important. The Old Testament is far more than a collection of historical documents; it is the living, breathing Word of God that is essential for a complete understanding of our faith.
- It’s the Story of God’s Character: From Genesis to Malachi, we see a consistent portrait of God’s holiness, faithfulness, justice, and relentless love for His people.
- It Provides the Context for Jesus: The entire Old Testament points forward to Jesus. The sacrificial system, the prophecies, the promises—they all find their ultimate meaning in Him. Without the Old Testament, the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is diminished.
- It’s Full of Timeless Wisdom: The Psalms give voice to our deepest emotions, Proverbs offers practical guidance for daily life, and the stories of figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Esther provide powerful examples of faith and failure.
Understanding the Landscape: The Sections of the OT
One of the best ways to demystify the Old Testament is to understand its basic structure. The 39 books are traditionally grouped into five sections, each with a different style and purpose.
- The Pentateuch (The Law): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These first five books lay the foundation, covering creation, the fall, the establishment of God’s covenant with Israel, and the giving of the Law.
- The Historical Books: Joshua through Esther. This collection tells the story of the nation of Israel, from their entry into the promised land to their exile and return. It’s a sweeping narrative of triumphs and tragedies.
- The Wisdom and Poetic Books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These books explore the heart of Israel’s worship and wisdom, wrestling with profound questions about suffering, purpose, and how to live a godly life.
- The Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. These are “major” not because they are more important, but because the books are longer. They contain God’s messages to His people during times of crisis and promise a future hope.
- The Minor Prophets: Hosea through Malachi. These twelve shorter books deliver powerful, concise messages of judgment and hope, calling the people back to faithfulness.
Choosing Your Old Testament Reading Plan
Now that you understand the layout, you can choose a plan that fits your goals and learning style. Here are a few excellent approaches.
The Straight-Through (Canonical) Plan
This is the simplest method: you start with Genesis 1 and read straight through to Malachi 4 in the order the books appear in your Bible.
- Best for: Readers who value simplicity and want to become familiar with the standard layout of the Bible.
The Chronological Plan
This plan rearranges the books (and parts of books) to follow the historical timeline of events. You’ll read David’s psalms alongside the story of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel, and the prophets’ messages within their historical context.
- Best for: Readers who want to experience the Old Testament as one cohesive, flowing story and gain a deeper understanding of the context.
The Section-by-Section Plan
This approach breaks the Old Testament into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can create a plan to read just one section at a time, such as “The Pentateuch in 90 Days” or “The Wisdom Books in 30 Days.”
- Best for: Readers who feel overwhelmed by the size of the entire Old Testament and want to achieve a sense of accomplishment by completing smaller, focused goals.
How Bible Plan Generator Can Be Your Guide
Our free web app is the perfect tool to help you conquer the Old Testament. We provide the structure and flexibility you need to create a plan that works for you.
- Create a Custom OT Plan: Our powerful custom plan generator is the star of the show. You can select only the 39 books of the Old Testament and set any duration you desire—six months, one year, or even a leisurely two-year pace.
- Choose Your Path: You can instantly set up your OT plan to be in canonical or chronological order, allowing you to choose the reading experience that best suits you.
- Focus on a Section: Want to start with a smaller goal? Easily create a plan for just the Wisdom Books or the Historical Books. You have complete control over the scope of your reading.
- Maintain a Consistent Pace: The Old Testament has some very long and some very short chapters. To keep your daily reading time predictable, you can balance your plan by verse count, ensuring a manageable commitment each day.
- Track Your Progress: Stay motivated by watching your progress bar grow. Our visual tracker helps you see how far you’ve come on your journey.
The Old Testament is a rich and rewarding part of God’s Word, waiting to be explored. Don’t let its size intimidate you; with a good plan, you can confidently begin a journey that will deepen your understanding of God and His redemptive story.
Start your Old Testament reading journey. Use our tools to build the perfect plan to guide you through these foundational Scriptures.