What are the Writings? What is the Ketuvim?

Answer

The Old Testament commences with the Pentateuch. These five books, authored by Moses, narrate the creation, the fall of humanity, the patriarchs, the establishment of the Jewish nation, the exodus of God’s people from Egyptian bondage, their forty-year journey through the wilderness, and the giving of God’s law. Subsequent to the Pentateuch are the historical books. As the name suggests, the historical books recount the captivating tale of the Jewish people and the land bestowed upon them eternally by God. Following the historical books is the Ketuvim [כְּתוּבִים], which can be translated as “Writings” or “Hagiographa.” The Ketuvim is divided into three parts: the poetic books (Sifrei Emet), the five scrolls (Hamesh Megillot), and what is commonly referred to as “the other books.”

The poetic books of the Ketuvim, sometimes categorized as wisdom literature, comprise Psalms, Proverbs, and Job. Collectively known as Sifrei Emet or “documents of truth,” Psalms is considered “God’s hymn book,” Proverbs is a compilation of wise sayings, and Job provides divine insight into the issue of human suffering. Many of the psalms unveil the arrival of Israel’s long-awaited and highly anticipated Messiah. Proverbs, a repository of God’s wisdom, also points to Jesus, the Source of Wisdom. Job, possibly the oldest book in the Bible, offers profound understanding of God’s nature while offering readers a prophetic glimpse of the One who will deliver His people from the effects of sin and suffering.

Another part of the Writings is the Hamesh Megillot, meaning “Five Scrolls.” These books are the Song of Solomon, Ruth, Esther, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes. It is worth noting that Ruth and Esther are also included in the historical books. The Song of Solomon vividly portrays marital love and is connected to God’s fervent love for His people. Ruth is a love story that foreshadows a significant aspect of the human experience.Our great Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Esther reveals the providential hand of God in the affairs of humankind; Lamentations is a mournful dirge about the fall of Jerusalem; and Ecclesiastes is a philosophical work that wrestles with human folly and the meaning of life—and its perceived lack of meaning.

The other books in the Writings or Ketuvim are Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles. Daniel, whose story takes place during the Babylonian captivity, is a book of prayer, purpose, principle, power, and prophecy. Both Ezra and Nehemiah are post-exilic books that detail the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. Finally, 1 and 2 Chronicles are vital in the understanding of Israel’s monarchy and the tragic dividing of God’s people into two weaker nations. It should be noted that, in the Jewish tradition, Ezra and Nehemiah were one book, and 1 and 2 Chronicles were also considered a single book. These five books, like Esther and Ruth, are also listed among the historical books.

The apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17;ESV). Briefly, then, what are the benefits and blessings that come with systematic study of the Ketuvim? Is time spent with these ancient writings truly profitable for today’s Christian?

From the poetic books, we can know about the praiseworthiness of God; experience comfort in times of grief; learn to apply godly wisdom to matters of marriage, child-rearing, morality, and money; and understand why bad things sometimes happen to good people.

In the five scrolls, we see the invisible hand of God working providentially for the good of His people, learn of our Kinsman-Redeemer who rescues us from sin, encounter the passion of God’s love, learn how man’s folly cowers in

The shadows of God’s perfect wisdom, and enter the grief of a heartbroken preacher whose people have turned their backs on God.

In the other books of the Ketuvim, we meet a courageous, uncompromising prophet who remains pure and undefiled despite his surroundings; discover our spiritual roots in ancient Judaism; come to know a great king from whose line came the King of Kings; and learn how God’s discipline is always followed by mercy, hope, and restoration.

To be sure, there is much profit in studying the Old Testament books that make up the Writings, or Ketuvim.