Books of the Bible

Job, Psalms, Ruth, Joshua, And Daniel

Five Books of the Bible

The Book of Job is written as a narrative account of the sufferings of Job and his coming to terms with the fact that God allows good people to suffer for a reason -- even if that reason is not immediately clear. Throughout the narration, Job suffers the loss of his family, his belongings, and his health, but maintains his trust in God. His friends attempt to interpret Job's sufferings as a sign from God that Job has displeased Him, but Job protests that he has done nothing to offend God. Job's only complaint is that he does not understand why God afflicts him. Finally, God appears in a kind of funnel cloud to put Job and his friends in their places by saying, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" (Job 38.4). He then assures Job of his innocence but says that if I allow you to suffer it is not without reason. Then he restores Job to health and happiness and gives him a new family and more possessions than he had previously.

The Book of Psalms is a poetic collection of songs written by David, the shepherd boy who grew up to be a king, chosen by God to rule over His chosen people. The psalms are hymns composed by David expressing a range of emotions from fear, sorrow and pain to joy, happiness, and wonder. David's life was filled with such range -- from his slaying of Goliath, to his persecution by his family and friends, to his triumphant guidance of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. The psalms are so expressive of our humanity in all its varying aspects that they are still repeated in Church liturgy today.

The Book of Ruth is a narrative account of the "ancestress of David" ("The Jewish Woman"), taking place during a famine in the time of the Judges. The narrative centers on Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi, who accompanies her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, saying "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God," foreshadowing the love and devotion that the Redeemer would have for all of us. By showing such devotion, Ruth is rewarded with a new husband, Boaz, as well as a son, Obed.

The Book of Joshua is a historical narrative that records the words of Joshua and the Covenant made between God and the Jews concerning the Promised Land. The Book recounts the travels of the chosen people across the Jordon and the various wars that follow with the Canaanites in the south and King Hazor in the north. Joshua leads God's chosen over the Jordan, into battle at Jericho (where the Ark is held), and witnesses the miracle of God that keeps the sun high in the sky so that His people may conquer the Canaanites. God's faithfulness is shown, and Joshua's faith in God is likewise revealed. The chosen people are exhorted by Joshua to be true to God as God has been true to all of them.