Who wrote the Old Testament? It’s a simple question, but the answer reveals a much bigger story. The Old Testament wasn’t written by one person in one place at one time. It’s a rich collection of writings formed over centuries, inspired by God, and passed down from generation to generation.
Whether you’ve read it cover to cover or are just starting to explore it, understanding where the Old Testament came from helps you see the Bible not as a random mix of ancient writings, but as a unified story with a divine author behind it.
When Was the Old Testament Written?
The Old Testament didn’t appear all at once. It developed slowly—across generations, nations, and historical moments.
Most scholars agree the writing of the Old Testament began around 1400–1200 BC, starting with the first five books of the Bible—often called the Pentateuch or Torah. The rest of the Old Testament was written and compiled gradually over nearly 1,000 years, with the final books likely completed around 400 BC.
Before anything was written down, much of it was passed down through oral tradition. People memorized stories, repeated them in community, and passed them down with careful precision. That means the heart of the Old Testament was preserved long before it was put on scrolls.
Who Wrote the Old Testament?
The Old Testament wasn't written by one person, or even one generation of people. It was written by a variety of people—leaders, poets, prophets, kings, and scribes—all inspired by God to tell his story.
Traditionally, Moses is credited with writing the Torah. David wrote many of the Psalms. Solomon is linked to Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel recorded their messages as God spoke through them.
How Many Books Are in the Old Testament?
In the Bible, there are 39 books in the Old Testament that reflect a wide range of genres:
- The Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy)
- Wisdom and Poetry (Job–Song of Songs)
- The Prophets (Isaiah–Malachi)
In Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, you’ll find a few additional books, such as Tobit, Wisdom of Solomon, and 1–2 Maccabees. However, you will not find these books in traditional Protestant Bibles.
If Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include more books in the Old Testament, why doesn’t the Protestant Bible?
The books in question—like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, and 1–2 Maccabees—are known as the Deuterocanonical books or the Apocrypha. They were written during the time between the Old and New Testaments, mostly between 400–100 BC.
These books were included in the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures used by many Jews in Jesus’ day. But they weren’t part of the original Hebrew Bible, and Jewish scholars later excluded them from their official canon.
When the Protestant Reformation happened in the 1500s, reformers like Martin Luther chose to follow the Hebrew Bible’s structure. That’s why the Protestant Old Testament contains 39 books, while Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include several more.
It’s not that Protestants reject the Deuterocanonical books entirely—they simply view them as helpful historical writings, not Scripture inspired by God. Even so, these books still offer valuable context for understanding Jewish history, especially the events leading up to Jesus’ arrival in the New Testament.
One Story Told Over Centuries
The Old Testament wasn’t written quickly or by one person. It was carefully shaped over time—about a thousand years, by dozens of voices. And yet, across all that time and diversity, one story comes through: We are broken, but God is faithful. And hope is on the way. Everything in the Old Testament points forward to a coming Savior. Jesus didn’t cancel the Old Testament. He fulfilled it.
So, don’t let the Old Testament intimidate you—let it invite you. Explore its history, wrestle with its questions, and discover the God who’s been writing a story of redemption since the very beginning.
Quick Summary: The Old Testament at a Glance
When was the Old Testament written?
Between approximately 1400 and 400 BC.
Who wrote the Old Testament?
A diverse group of authors—Moses, kings, prophets, scribes, and poets—guided by God over many generations.
How many books does the Old Testament have?
39 in the Protestant canon. Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include additional books known as the Deuterocanonical books.
Why does this matter?
Because it shows that even though the Old Testament was written over centuries, it tells a unified story—one that ultimately points to Jesus.
-----
For a deeper discussion on the Bible—its inspiration, its credibility, and more—check out this episode of The Evidence Podcast!
-----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!