Summary of 66 Books

37. Ezra Summary Verse

Ezra traces the history of the Jews during the years following the decree of Cyrus to let the Jewish exiles return to their homeland. Ezra deals with the restoration of temple worship, reforming the people, and leading them to a desire for God's Word and in an understanding of it. Our summary verse is from Ezra 7:10: “Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it.” –  (NASB)

36. Esther Summary Verse

Esther is meaningful to us because it reminds us that God works in and through human being throughout every period of history to bring about His will. The LORD worked through Mordecai and Esther in this account to save His people and preserve His promise to send a Savior. The book emphasizes the doctrine of vocation, which points to how God is active in the work and lives of human beings as they use their God-given gifts and position in the service of their neighbor. Our summary verse is from Esther 4:14: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – (NIV)

35. Zechariah Summary Verse

Zechariah portrayed the Messiah so often that he falls second only to the prophet Isaiah in the number of Messianic prophecies mentioned. These Messianic prophecies are so clear that Luther called Zechariah, “One of the most comforting of all the prophets.” Our summary verse is from Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” – (NKJV)

34. Haggai Summary Verse

Haggai was sent to minister to the people who were discouraged because the building of the temple had stopped. Encouraged, the people rallied and began rebuilding. He pointed to God Who is the Savior and ruler of all things, who is gracious to save and powerful to sustain the seemingly impossible work of rebuilding which lay ahead. Our summary verse is from Haggai 1:13: “Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the LORD.” - (NKJV)

33. Ezekiel Summary Verse

Is God just? So often He gives exactly what the unbelievers ask for... life or death without Him. So often when we give Him the backseat, He takes it! Ezekiel is a message of judgment against the Jewish nation, as he pointed out that the city of Jerusalem and the temple would not be preserved. He encouraged the people to recognize their sin and turn to the LORD in repentance. Our summary verse is from Ezekiel 33:11: “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'" – (NKJV)

32. Daniel Summary Verse

The book of Daniel spans the 70 years of the Babylonian Captivity. In has two parts: The first is historical and second is apocalyptic and full of visions. The entirety of the book shows the faithfulness of the LORD, and of Daniel who trusted in the LORD. Why did Daniel continue to trust in the LORD? How about us today? Our summary verse is from Daniel 7:18: “But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” – (NKJV)

31. Lamentations Summary Verse

This book was written by Jeremiah during a very dark period in Judah's history. Jerusalem was destroyed, people killed or carried off to Babylon. All because of their sin. But in the midst of tragedy and sin God remains faithful! Mercy begins with the LORD fresh each day. He has been faithful even when we have been unfaithful! There is always hope! Our summary verse is from Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” – (HCSB)

30. Jeremiah Summary Verse

Jeremiah is one of the more familiar prophets in the Old Testament. He ministered at the end of the kingdom of Judah and during the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity. He had a difficult task calling God's people to repentance and being rejected by the people, kings and even the religious leaders. But God's Word fortified him for the task, and he served the LORD faithfully! Our summary verse is from Jeremiah 15:16: “Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” – (NKJV)

29. Zephaniah Summary Verse

The prophet Zephaniah ministered during the reign of King Josiah and was instrumental in supporting his much needed reforms. He announced judgment against Judah, and the surrounding nations, due to idolatry. He foretells Judah's destruction by Babylon, but there will be a remnant, which God will deliver! Our summary verse is from Zephaniah 3:17: “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." – (NKJV)

28. Habakkuk Summary Verse

There are many uncertainties in life, and questions that even Christians have. We can have questions, but what is our attitude? Habakkuk shows that we can have confidence in the LORD, who is our strength through it all. Our summary verse is from Habakkuk 3:19: “Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!” – (HCSB)