Summary of 66 Books

17. Ecclesiastes Summary Verse

We resume our study of the life of Solomon with the book of Ecclesiastes, which was most likely written later in his life. Ecclesiastes deals with the purpose of life and shows that a life lived apart from God is nothing, no matter what is accomplished, but a life lived with God brings meaning and purpose even to the most menial of tasks. What an important reminder in our lives today! Our summary verse is from Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – (ESV)

16. Proverbs Summary Verse

As we continue to journey through the life of Solomon we come to the book of Proverbs. This book deals with Godly wisdom and gives direction to us in many areas of our life. But this in not a "self-help" book but rather points us to Christ who is "wisdom from God" and has kept all of these things perfectly for us. Our summary verse is from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” – (ESV)

15. Song of Songs Summary Verse

Today we look at a poetic description of love in the Old Testament found in the Song of Solomon or "Song of Songs." This depiction of the love between a man and a woman was read by the Jews during the Passover pointing to the fact that the love revealed in this book is describing God's love for His people! Our summary verse comes from Song of Songs 2:4: ““He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love” – (NASB). 

14. 1 Kings Summary Verse

We move to the reign of Solomon who followed David on the throne in Jerusalem, the divided kingdom and the first kings of both Israel (to the north) and Judah (to the south). The purpose of this book is to show God's gracious hand in sending a Savior in spite of the divided kingdom, rebellion of His people and the LORD's chastisement of His people. Our summary verse comes from 1 Kings 8:23: “LORD God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below, who keeps the gracious covenant with your servants who walk before you with all their heart” (CSB). 

13. Psalms Summary Verse

We take a break from the historical books of the Old Testament to look at the hymnbook of God's Old Testament people. Over half of these hymns were written by David and many more were written by others during David's final years as king. These hymns point believers then and now to the power of the LORD and that we can and should put our trust and confidence in Him. Our summary verse comes from Psalm 27:13-14: “I am certain that I will see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the LORD.” –  (NASB). 

12. 1 Chronicles Summary Verse

We look again at the reign of King David in 1 Chronicles. But while we cover the same history as in Samuel and Kings, we will find a very different theme. Chronicles deals with the plan of God and show this in the genealogy at the beginning of the book and the emphasis on worship and the preparations for the construction of the temple. Our summary verse comes from 1 Chronicles 29:12: “Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone” (NASB). 
 
 

11. 2 Samuel Summary Verse

The book of 2 Samuel takes us into the reign of David and the ups and the downs that he faces during his life. Our summary verse is found in 2 Samuel 22:2: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (ESV). We will not only review the life of David and how this verse applied in his life, but also see the application of this Bible truth in our lives as well.  
 

10. 1 Samuel Summary Verse

The first book of Samuel describes the transition from the rule of God's Old Testament people by the Judges to earthly Kings. We hear about the first king of Israel, Saul, and how the people reject the LORD, while the LORD chooses David to fulfill His promises through. Our summary verse comes from 1 Samuel 16:7: “But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (NKJV). 

9. Ruth Summary Verse

The book of Ruth gives us a much needed reprieve from the ugliness and ungodliness of the book of Judges. Here we see find a mission theme, as we see that God desires to save all people regardless of skin color or nationality, and we see a reminder that God keeps His promises and works through the unexpected to bring about His plan of salvation for sinners. Our summary verse comes from Ruth 1:16: “But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God” (NKJV). 

8. Judges Summary Verse

The book of Judges reveals the ugly result of not heeding the LORD's warnings about idolatry and of not following His Word. It recounts the cycle of history, both in the period of the Judges and in our lives still today. From prosperity to idolatry, from idolatry to judgment, from judgment to repentance, from repentance to deliverance. The Judges played an important role in this cycle. Our summary verse comes from Judges 2:16-17: “Nevertheless, the LORD raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they would not listen to their judges, but they played the harlot with other gods, and bowed down to them. They turned quickly from the way in which their fathers walked, in obeying the commandments of the LORD; they did not do so.” (NKJV). There is much for us to learn from this account!