Topical Encyclopedia The term "Old Testament Canon" refers to the collection of books that are considered divinely inspired and authoritative in the Jewish and Christian traditions. The Old Testament forms the first part of the Christian Bible and corresponds largely to the Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, which is the canonical collection of Jewish texts.Formation and Structure The Old Testament Canon is traditionally divided into three main sections: the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi'im), and the Writings (Ketuvim). This tripartite division is reflected in the Hebrew acronym "Tanakh." The Law consists of the first five books, also known as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books are foundational, detailing the creation of the world, the history of the patriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt, and the giving of the Law at Sinai. The Prophets are divided into the Former Prophets—Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings—and the Latter Prophets, which include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi). The Writings encompass a diverse collection of books, including poetry, wisdom literature, and historical accounts, such as Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Historical Development The process of canonization was gradual and complex, occurring over several centuries. The Torah was the first section to be recognized as authoritative, likely by the 5th century BC. The Prophets were accepted by the 2nd century BC, and the Writings were recognized by the 1st century AD. The Council of Jamnia (c. AD 90) is often cited as a significant moment in the finalization of the Jewish canon, although the extent of its influence is debated among scholars. Criteria for Canonization The books included in the Old Testament Canon were selected based on several criteria. These included apostolic authority or prophetic authorship, consistency with the existing body of Scripture, and widespread acceptance and use in worship and teaching. The Berean Standard Bible reflects this understanding in its translation and presentation of the Old Testament texts. The Role of the Septuagint The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, played a significant role in the early Christian Church. It included additional books, known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, which are not part of the Hebrew Bible. These books, such as Tobit, Judith, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, are included in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox canons but are considered non-canonical by most Protestant traditions. Scriptural References The Old Testament Canon is affirmed by various New Testament references. Jesus Himself refers to the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms in Luke 24:44 : "He said to them, 'These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.'" This acknowledgment underscores the authority and prophetic nature of the Old Testament Scriptures. Theological Significance The Old Testament Canon is foundational to Christian theology, providing the historical and theological context for the New Testament. It reveals God's covenantal relationship with His people, His moral and ethical standards, and His redemptive plan through history. The Old Testament prophecies and types find their fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, as affirmed in the New Testament writings. In summary, the Old Testament Canon is a divinely inspired collection of writings that form the bedrock of Judeo-Christian faith, offering timeless truths and guiding principles for believers throughout the ages. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Old Testament CanonOLD TESTAMENT CANON See CANON OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Library The Formation of the Old Testament Canon The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Formation and History of the New Testament Canon. Use of the Old Testament by the First Christian Writers, and by ... The New Testament Definitely Protected the Old Testament as a Book ... Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. These are all the Books of Old Testament Appointed to be Read... The Books of the Old Testament as a Whole. 1 the Province of ... The New Testament Canon in the First Three Centuries. Remaining Books of the Old Testament. Resources What was the Old Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgOld Testament vs. New Testament - What are the differences? | GotQuestions.org What is old earth creationism? | GotQuestions.org Old: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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