Using “中文圣经 - Chinese Bible - 中文网上圣经，带音频、带拼音、支持简体和繁体” makes reading easier and more accessible.
The Old Testament is a grand narrative that stretches across centuries. From the creation story in Genesis to the anticipation of the Messiah in Malachi, the first 39 books of the 66-book Bible reveal the history, struggles, and growth of a people—and the continual unfolding of the relationship between humanity and God.
For many Chinese parents and children, reading the Old Testament often feels overwhelming: so many stories, so many people, and such a long historical span. But when we slow down and approach the Old Testament as a story collection, we begin to see that it is not merely a religious text—it's a book full of emotions, wisdom, and humanity.
🌱 The Old Testament Begins with Stories
At the very beginning, Genesis invites us into a world of creation, family, failure, and hope:
👉 1. Genesis
Then Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy unfold the journey of Israel walking with God:
👉 2. Exodus
👉 3. Leviticus
👉 4. Numbers
👉 5. Deuteronomy
🏔 Stories of Entering the Promised Land
The history of Israel forms a major part of the Old Testament narrative:
👉 6. Joshua
👉 7. Judges
👉 8. Ruth
From Saul and David to Solomon:
👉 9. 1 Samuel
👉 10. 2 Samuel
👉 11. 1 Kings
👉 12. 2 Kings
Exile and return:
👉 13. 1 Chronicles
👉 14. 2 Chronicles
👉 15. Ezra
👉 16. Nehemiah
👉 17. Esther
🎵 Poetry & Wisdom: Words That Touch the Soul The poetic books of the Old Testament are a source of comfort for many:
👉 18. Job
👉 19. Psalms
👉 20. Proverbs
👉 21. Ecclesiastes
👉 22. Song of Songs
🔥 Major Prophets: From Judgment to Comfort
These books reveal God’s righteousness and mercy:
👉 23. Isaiah
👉 24. Jeremiah
👉 25. Lamentations
👉 26. Ezekiel
👉 27. Daniel
📣 The Minor Prophets: A Cry for Justice, Faith, and Hope
👉 28. Hosea
👉 29. Joel
👉 30. Amos
👉 31. Obadiah
👉 32. Jonah
👉 33. Micah
👉 34. Nahum
👉 35. Habakkuk
👉 36. Zephaniah
👉 37. Haggai
👉 38. Zechariah
👉 39. Malachi
🌱 Why Should Families and Children Read the Old Testament?
1. It’s a book of stories.
From Abraham, Moses, and Joseph to King David and Queen Esther, each book of the Old Testament feels like a standalone movie.
Children learn through these stories:
- You can begin again after failure
- Prayer helps you face difficulties
- Courage and wisdom overcome fear
- Justice, mercy, and kindness matter
These values transcend culture and religion and help shape character.
2. It’s a book of life wisdom.
Books like Proverbs, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes speak to the heart—whether one is sorrowful, confused, joyful, or lost.
Children can learn:
- How to get along with others
- How to manage emotions
- How to deal with failure
- How to cultivate gratitude, humility, and reverence
These qualities align closely with the virtues emphasized in Chinese culture and education.
3. It’s a book of cultural roots.
Whether or not one is Christian, the Old Testament’s ideas and stories have shaped Western civilization, literature, and art.
For Chinese children growing up overseas, understanding the Old Testament becomes a bridge connecting their dual cultural worlds.
